Jimmy Kimmel was blindsided on Wednesday when he learned in a last-minute phone call that his late night show was pulled ‘indefinitely’ by ABC.
According to Deadline, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden personally delivered the news just hours before cameras were set to roll at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood.
Sources say the conversation was ‘thoughtful’ and ‘polite,’ but the decision, signed off on by Walden and Disney CEO Bob Iger, left Kimmel stunned.
Prior to her tenure at Disney Entertainment, Walden, 60, was previously chairman and CEO of Fox Television Group.
In her current role, she is leads ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ABC Owned Television Stations, Disney Television Studios, Freeform, FX, Hulu Originals, National Geographic Content and more.
Behind closed doors, insiders say the late-night host made it clear he would not issue an apology for remarks he made earlier this week linking Charlie Kirk’s killer to Trump supporters.
Jimmy Kimmel was blindsided on Wednesday when he learned in a last-minute phone call that his late night show was pulled ‘indefinitely’ by ABC; seen on June 6, 2024
‘The MAGA gang desperately [is] trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them,’ Kimmel said Monday, adding that the far-right was scrambling ‘to score political points from it.’
Those comments sparked swift outrage among conservatives and even drew the attention of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who labeled Kimmel’s words ‘some of the sickest conduct possible.’
But rather than soften his stance, sources say Kimmel intended to double down on his next broadcast, a move Disney executives feared would further inflame tensions.
For Kimmel, who has helmed the late-night staple since 2003, the suspension marks the first major interruption of his 22-year run.
Friends say the comedian is ‘angry but unbowed’ and feels Disney caved to political pressure.
After the announcement, a source told The Daily Mail that Kimmel ‘feels betrayed.’
‘Jimmy has always pushed boundaries, that’s what his audience expects,’ the insider revealed. ‘The idea that one comment could sideline him after everything he’s given ABC — he’s gutted, but he’s not sorry.’
The decision came as a shock to the Jimmy Kimmel Live! team, many of whom were still on production calls with publicists for upcoming guests when the news broke.
Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden personally delivered the news just hours before cameras were set to roll at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood; seen in May 2025
Prior to her tenure at Disney Entertainment, Walden, 60, (pictured last year) was previously chairman and CEO of Fox Television Group
‘We are all shell-shocked,’ one celebrity publicist told CNN. ‘Jimmy’s show is part of the fabric of ABC. Nobody saw this coming.’
Guests scheduled for Wednesday’s episode, including Wanda Sykes, were already en route to the theater when word spread that the broadcast had been scrapped.
‘So, I’m in a full face of makeup because I was supposed to go over and have a chat with my friend Jimmy Kimmel,’ Sykes, 61, told fans in an Instagram video. ‘But as you have heard by now, The Jimmy Kimmel Show has been pulled indefinitely — abruptly — because of complaints from the Trump administration.’
She concluded her recording by telling fans: ‘Hey, for those of you who pray… now’s the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy.’
While the show has not been officially canceled, insiders admit there is ‘no timeline’ for when or if Kimmel will return to the air.
His wife, Molly McNearney, who serves as head writer and executive producer, is said to be rallying behind him as the couple navigates the fallout.
Since the news, numerous Hollywood celebrities have rushed to defend Kimmel.
Sources say their conversation was ‘thoughtful’ and ‘polite,’ but the decision left Kimmel stunned (seen on September 12, 2022)
Behind closed doors, insiders say the late-night host made it clear he would not issue an apology for remarks he made earlier this week linking Charlie Kirk’s killer to Trump supporters
Ben Stiller jumped over to X to repost the news of ABC taking Kimmel off air and typed out: ‘This isn’t right.’
Singer John Legend shared a post by David Frum which read: ‘How dare you call us fascists just because our appointees threaten government retaliation against broadcast networks if their comedians don’t say what we want them to say.’
Actor Josh Gad said: ‘I see we are at the passive participation of authoritarianism now. God help us all.’
Actress Alison Brie shared a news alert on Instagram: ‘This is unreal. And very scary.’
Henry Winkler wrote on X: ‘@jimmykimmel his humor, his insights are important to keep showing us who we are . AND he is a most wonderful fellow’ [sic]
Jamie Lee Curtis, 66 — who recently made a tearful statement about Kirk — reposted a photo of Kimmel to her Instagram Story with a quote attributed to the comedian that read: ‘I don’t think anybody should be canceled. I really don’t.’
Those comments sparked swift outrage among conservatives and even drew the attention of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who labeled Kimmel’s words ‘some of the sickest conduct possible’ (Kirk seen last week)
Singer Halsey also reacted to the news of Kimmel’s cancelation on her Instagram stories.
She then added the text: ‘We’re in the “tell on your friends and neighbors” “extreme censorship” “indistinguishable propaganda” part of the fascism in case it wasn’t clear.’
Political commentator and MSNBC host Chris Hayes tweeted: ‘This is the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors I’ve ever seen in my life and it’s not even close.’
California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X: ‘Buying and controlling media platforms. Firing commentators. Canceling shows. These aren’t coincidences. It’s coordinated. And it’s dangerous. The @GOP does not believe in free speech. They are censoring you in real time.’
Unions representing writers and actors said the move amounted to an attack on constitutionally protected free-speech rights, saying ABC should not have caved in the face of U.S. government pressure.
The suspension of Kimmel’s show marked the latest action against media figures, academic workers, teachers and corporate employees over their remarks about Kirk following the 31-year-old’s assassination in Utah.
Kimmel’s wife, Molly McNearney, who serves as head writer and executive producer, is said to be rallying behind him as the couple navigates the fallout (seen together at the 2025 Emmys)
‘What we have signed on to – painful as it may be at times – is the freeing agreement to disagree,’ the Writers Guild of America West and Writers Guild of America East said in a joint statement.
‘Shame on those in government who forget this founding truth. As for our employers, our words have made you rich. Silencing us impoverishes the whole world.’
Trump had a differing opinion and shared on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, ‘Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.
‘Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible.’
Trump concluded with: ‘That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT.’
The US President referred to late night talk show host Stephen Colbert whose show was cancelled back in July by CBS.
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will come to an end next year in May 2026.
Despite the cancellation, Colbert notably won an Emmy over the weekend for Outstanding Talk Series.
