Disney is facing intense backlash after pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the air, a move critics say shows “The Mouse” bowing to political pressure. On Thursday, several hundred demonstrators gathered outside Disney’s Burbank headquarters, accusing executives — including CEO Bob Iger — of betraying free speech.
The uproar follows ABC’s decision to suspend the late-night show “indefinitely” after Nexstar Media Group, one of the nation’s largest station owners, announced it would no longer carry the program. Nexstar objected to comments Kimmel made earlier in the week about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing and said the show would be replaced in its ABC-affiliated markets.
Fueling the controversy, Trump-appointed FCC chair Brendan Carr suggested ABC could face regulatory scrutiny if Kimmel’s comments were not addressed. Many observers called the threat an abuse of government power and Disney’s compliance an act of corporate cowardice.
Crowds take to the Streets
Roughly 200 to 300 people turned out in Burbank, hoisting signs that mocked Disney’s signature Mickey Mouse logo with slogans such as “Cowards.” Protesters outside ABC’s New York studio chanted “Kimmel must stay, Iger must go,” while another group rallied near the Hollywood stage where Kimmel normally tapes, shouting “Down with the FCC” and “ABC bent the knee.”
Some demonstrators drew comparisons between the real-world dispute and Disney’s own shows. One sign asked, “Did you even watch Andor?” — pointing to the Star Wars spinoff’s storyline about resisting authoritarian regimes.
Writers Guild Calls Foul
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) organized much of the pushback, encouraging members to join the protests. In a joint statement, the WGA West and East denounced the suspension:
“The right to speak our minds and to disagree with each other — even to provoke — is fundamental to being free. That right cannot be denied by violence, by the abuse of governmental power, or by corporate timidity,” the guild said.
Meredith Stiehm, president of the WGA West, told protesters the fight was far from over. “We want Jimmy Kimmel back on the air, and we’ll keep the pressure on until that happens,” she said.
The Spark
In his Monday monologue, Kimmel criticized what he called the “MAGA gang” for trying to twist Kirk’s killing into political theater. Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. A suspect was arrested three days later.
Nexstar argued Kimmel’s remarks were “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.” Andrew Alford, Nexstar’s president of broadcasting, said continuing to give the comedian airtime “is simply not in the public interest at the current time.”
Uncertain Future
Disney has yet to announce how long Jimmy Kimmel Live! will remain sidelined or what shows will fill the gap. But as the controversy grows, so too does public pressure on the company.
Outside Disney’s gates, protesters made clear their message: silencing Jimmy Kimmel isn’t just about late-night comedy — it’s about the future of free expression.
Stay with Reel 360 for updates as this story develops.
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ABC pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live! after Charlie Kirk comments
