Ex-Disney CEO Bob Iger Stands by Jimmy Kimmel Suspension and Denies It Was Politically Motivated

Jun 24, 2026 9:33am PT

Ex-Disney CEO Bob Iger Stands by Jimmy Kimmel Suspension and Denies It Was Politically Motivated: His Charlie Kirk Comments Were in ‘Bad Taste’

Bob Iger, who recently stepped down as CEO of Disney, is defending the company’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel back in September over his comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Publicly addressing the debacle for the the first time in an interview with the Financial Times, Iger denied the widespread speculation that Disney pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live” to capitulate to the Trump administration.

“That was not the case,” Iger said. “We thought it was in bad taste.” The retired executive also explained that Kimmel was asked to apologize for his remarks: “We just wanted him to acknowledge that it was an ill-timed and probably inappropriate comment.”

More to come…

More from Variety

More From Our Brands

Rolling Stone

‘Supergirl’ Suggests This D.C. Universe Reboot Can Go Deep

Robb Report

Marin County’s Priciest Listing Is This $50 Million Hilltop Mansion on Belvedere Island

Sportico

Damar Hamlin, NY Liberty’s Shana Stephenson on Day 2 at Cannes Lions

WWD

EXCLUSIVE: Versace CEO Has Exited