Ex-Disney CEO Michael Eisner slams leadership over Jimmy Kimmel suspension

Former Disney chief Michael Eisner criticized the company's current leadership over ABC's indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, saying the move amounts to an attack on free speech and signaling the company has bowed to external pressure.

In a post on X, Eisner targeted FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for what he described as "out-of-control intimidation" used to push ABC to pull the late-night show, and he appeared to take aim at his successor, Bob Iger, as well. "Where has all the leadership gone?" Eisner asked on X. He added, "If not for university presidents, law firm managing partners, and corporate chief executives standing up against bullies, who then will step up for the first amendment?"

ABC's parent company, Disney, announced on Wednesday that Kimmel's show would be removed from the network for the foreseeable future after Kimmel's remarks about the shooter in the Charlie Kirk case.

Kimmel addressed the incident, saying, "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it." He continued by showing footage of President Trump taking questions from reporters and quipping about the White House construction plans, noting that the president had been at the scene; Eisner's post framed this as part of a broader critique of how the moment was handled.

Eisner's post also included a pointed reference to the Constitution, claiming, "Maybe the Constitution should have said, 'Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, except in one’s political or financial self-interest'". He also wrote a dig that appeared aimed at President Donald Trump, who had said Kimmel is "not a talented person," by noting that the ex-CEO finds Kimmel very talented and funny.

The remarks come against the backdrop of Eisner's long history with Disney. He led the company from 1984 to 2005 and is credited with transforming it into a global entertainment giant, though his tenure ended amid a succession dispute that culminated in his departure from the chair in 2004. His successor, Robert Iger, has led the company since 2005 and remains a central figure in the corporation's current strategy.

Some liberal commentators have argued that the administration is censoring Kimmel, and Eisner's post echoed that sentiment. The episode highlights a broader debate over free speech, corporate governance, and the influence of outside pressure on media decisions.

The controversy adds to a wider national conversation about where lines should be drawn between editorial independence, corporate policy, and political pressure in the entertainment industry.