ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel faces indefinite suspension by Disney as the network weighs protecting its brand against losing one of its most recognizable faces.
Jimmy Kimmel’s future as the « face » of ABC is in limbo after Disney benched the late-night host indefinitely following controversial remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Disney on Wednesday sidelined Kimmel « indefinitely » amid mounting pressure from ABC affiliate stations across the country, as well as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Kimmel had planned to address the growing controversy in his monologue that evening, according to The Wall Street Journal. But Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden, a top Kimmel ally, believed his planned remarks « could make the situation worse. »
Walden and Disney CEO Bob Iger made the decision to bench Kimmel, sources told Fox News Digital. The top honchos were clearly looking to protect the Disney brand, but Kimmel is more than just a late-night host for ABC.
CBS announced earlier this year that Stephen Colbert’s « Late Show » would be canceled next year. The decision shocked many industry insiders, who rushed to blame the Trump administration and assumed it was some sort of quid pro quo to satisfy the FCC ahead of a long-planned merger between Paramount and Skydance. But then it was reported that Colbert’s program was hemorrhaging cash and observers started to notice the « Late Show » didn’t perform particularly well on non-linear platforms.
« It’s not a Colbert situation; we have been told that Kimmel is profitable. He does a lot more for the network than just hosting this show », Puck’s Matthew Belloni pointed out Thursday on his « The Town » podcast.
« He is like the face of the brand », Belloni added.
