Michael Eisner Speaks Out on Jimmy Kimmel Suspension, Media Settlements

Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner is explaining why he chose to publicly criticize ABC and its parent company, Disney, after Jimmy Kimmel Live was briefly suspended last year.

Eisner, who led The Walt Disney Company from 1985 to 2005, addressed the controversy during a new episode of In Depth With Graham Bensinger. He said he felt compelled to speak out about what he sees as growing pressure on media companies.

Why Eisner Spoke Out

“I just was finally fed up,” Eisner said in the interview, referring to what he described as institutions giving in to political pressure. He added that he no longer holds a corporate position, so he felt he had little to lose by sharing his opinion.

Despite advice from his wife and others to stay quiet or be cautious, Eisner posted a strongly worded message defending free speech after Jimmy Kimmel Live was suspended by ABC.

Kimmel’s late-night show was taken off the air for six days following remarks he made about the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. After political backlash and public debate, the show returned to ABC’s schedule.

Eisner criticized the decision, questioning where corporate leadership had gone and warning against what he called intimidation. He argued that media companies and other institutions should stand up for First Amendment protections.

He later revealed that his comments received an overwhelming response. “Three million people contacted me the next day,” Eisner said, noting that many supported his stance.

Broader Concerns About Media Settlements

Eisner said his concerns go beyond Disney and ABC.

He also criticized Paramount Global for agreeing to pay $16 million to the Trump administration over the editing of a 60 Minutes segment. Additionally, he expressed disappointment that ABC News settled a defamation lawsuit for $15 million filed by former President Donald Trump related to comments made on This Week.

Eisner described those settlements as “ridiculous” and said he believes he would not have chosen to settle under similar circumstances.

Eisner Praises Jimmy Kimmel

While clarifying that his comments were not personal attacks on Disney’s current leadership, Eisner made clear he supports Kimmel.

“For the record,” he wrote previously, “this ex-CEO finds Jimmy Kimmel very talented and funny.”

The latest episode of In Depth With Graham Bensinger featuring Eisner is set to air in syndication across the United States this weekend.