‘I Can Sometimes Be Reactionary’: Jimmy Kimmel Gets Real About The Conversations He Had With Execs After His Show Was Suspended

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There was concern about the future of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* a few weeks ago when Disney and ABC temporarily stopped production after Kimmel made comments about the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The show was only off the air for a week before it returned, and now Kimmel is sharing details about the conversations he had with network executives during that time.

While Jimmy Kimmel was suspended, news emerged that Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden were involved in the situation. Kimmel later spoke at Bloomberg’s Screentime Conference, where he described what happened right after his show was temporarily taken off the air. He admitted being surprised by the network’s decision but expressed gratitude for the conversations he had with his employers, particularly Dana Walden.

I definitely bothered Dana over the weekend with constant phone calls. However, I think all that talking actually helped me reach a good outcome. It allowed me to fully process everything and understand other people’s perspectives. I can be quick to react and sometimes come across strongly, so having those days to reflect was really beneficial.

The former cast member of *The Man Show* (featured in a recent YouTube video) also praised his coworkers, saying he’s known and likes them for years. Jimmy Kimmel also shared that he and his superiors all hoped to find a solution that worked for everyone. Although reaching an agreement took some effort, they were eventually able to come to terms.

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Jimmy Kimmel made a playful joke about taking employees from Stephen Colbert’s team, and it highlights the often competitive and fluid nature of how things operate in Hollywood.

According to reports, Bob Iger made the final decision to temporarily take *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* off the air. This came after the head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) hinted that ABC could lose its broadcasting license due to comments Kimmel made. Following this, two major broadcasting companies, Nexstar and Sinclair, stopped airing the show in their areas. Despite this, sources say that Iger’s decision wasn’t popular with everyone at the company.

Reports also surfaced regarding meetings between executives and Jimmy Kimmel to talk about bringing his show back. It seems those in charge wanted Kimmel to apologize for some comments, but he didn’t believe an apology was necessary. Throughout this, Kimmel’s staff continued to be paid and weren’t laid off. The safety of his staff was also a concern, as they reportedly received death threats and had their personal contact information publicly shared online.

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Jimmy Kimmel and his team are starting to return to their usual routines at work. Meanwhile, Disney shareholders are asking for records related to Kimmel’s recent suspension. They want proof of any mistakes, poor management, or actions that might have violated the company’s legal responsibilities.

Jimmy Kimmel is thankful to be back on television, and he appreciates the discussions he had with Dana Walden and other colleagues. As his show continues, he may share more details about what happened behind the scenes during his suspension. You can watch *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. ET as part of the 2025 TV lineup, or stream it with a YouTube TV subscription.

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2025-10-11 20:38