Disney is facing major backlash and financial pressure after suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live! following comments the host made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Marvel star Mark Ruffalo has publicly warned that Disney’s stock will decline further if the show is canceled. The situation has sparked protests, boycott calls, and criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
Why Jimmy Kimmel Was Suspended
On September 16, 2025, Jimmy Kimmel made remarks during his monologue about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. He criticized the political response to the killing, specifically calling out the “MAGA gang” for trying to distance themselves from the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson. Kimmel stated that the group was attempting to “score political points” from the tragedy.
Following the monologue, FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened regulatory action against ABC and its affiliates if they continued to air Kimmel’s show. He described Kimmel’s comments as “truly sick” and urged local stations to preempt the program. Shortly after, media conglomerates Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcasting—which own dozens of ABC affiliates—announced they would stop airing the show indefinitely. Sinclair demanded that Kimmel apologize to Kirk’s family and make a donation to the conservative group Turning Point USA.
Disney’s Stock Reaction
Disney’s stock price dipped after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 18, 2025. Reports indicated a drop of approximately 3.5%, with shares falling from $116 to $112. Some outlets estimated a larger loss in market value, citing a $3.8 billion decline. However, financial data showed a more modest decrease, with shares closing at $113.76 on September 19.
“It’s going to go down a lot further if they cancel his show,” Ruffalo wrote on Threads. “Disney does not want to be the ones that broke America.”
Ruffalo, who has played the Hulk in Disney’s Marvel films since 2012, shared a post claiming a 7% stock drop. Although this figure was inaccurate, his warning reflected growing concerns about the financial and reputational impact of the suspension.
Hollywood Reactions and Boycott Calls
Many celebrities and industry figures have spoken out in support of Kimmel. Tatiana Maslany, who starred in the Disney+ series She-Hulk, urged followers to cancel their subscriptions to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN. Spider-Man actor Marisa Tomei and The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal also expressed solidarity with Kimmel.
Writer and producer Damon Lindelof, known for ABC’s Lost, said he would not work with Disney if the suspension is not reversed. Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner criticized the company’s leadership, calling the suspension a failure to stand up for free speech.
Hundreds of writers and actors protested outside Disney’s Burbank headquarters, and social media campaigns encouraged viewers to cancel Disney streaming subscriptions. Reports indicated that Disney’s cancellation portal experienced heavy traffic, though the company has not confirmed the number of cancellations.
Political and Regulatory Pressure
The suspension has intensified debates about free speech and government influence over media. FCC Chair Carr argued that local affiliates have the right to make programming decisions based on community values. However, some conservatives, including Senator Ted Cruz, expressed concern about government overreach.
“I hate what Jimmy Kimmel said. I am thrilled that he was fired,” Cruz said on his podcast. “But let me tell you, if the government gets in the business of saying, ‘We don’t like what you, the media, have said, we’re going to ban you from the airwaves’—that will end up bad for conservatives.”
President Donald Trump celebrated Kimmel’s suspension, suggesting that other late-night hosts like Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon could be next. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance downplayed free speech concerns, calling Kimmel “unfunny” and claiming his ratings were low.
What’s Next for Jimmy Kimmel and Disney?
Kimmel’s contract with ABC is set to expire in 2026. The host has not yet publicly addressed the suspension, but negotiations between him and Disney are ongoing. ABC has replaced his time slot with tributes to Charlie Kirk and other programming.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has previously stated that the company’s primary goal is to entertain rather than promote political messages. However, the company has recently faced multiple politically charged controversies, including lawsuits and disputes with conservative groups.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing protests, financial uncertainties, and potential long-term impacts on Disney’s brand and stock performance.
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