Bob Iger: Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Was 'Bad Taste,' Not Political

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger finally addressed the controversial 2025 suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, pushing back on claims it was politically motivated. Speaking to The Financial Times, Iger insisted ABC's decision stemmed from Kimmel's comments about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk being in "bad taste," not partisan pressure. He simply wanted an acknowledgment that the remarks were "ill-timed and probably inappropriate."

Kimmel was abruptly taken off air after FCC chair Brendan Carr urged networks to drop his show. This followed Kimmel's monologue accusing the "MAGA gang" of exploiting Kirk's death for political gain. Major affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair quickly pulled the plug. However, intense public backlash forced Disney-owned ABC to reinstate Kimmel within the month, with other networks following suit. Kimmel himself never apologized, clarifying his remarks targeted those politicizing the tragedy, not Kirk directly. Iger's detailed explanation, coming after his departure from Disney, raises questions about corporate candor versus timing.