The number of influential figures rallying behind television personality Jimmy Kimmel continues to expand in the aftermath of his sudden and controversial suspension by ABC, a move that stunned both Hollywood insiders and devoted audiences. Among the most prominent voices to emerge in defense of Kimmel is Damon Lindelof, the acclaimed Emmy-winning screenwriter and showrunner. Lindelof, celebrated for his role in co-creating the groundbreaking network drama *Lost*, chose to publicly express his solidarity with Kimmel on Thursday through a pointed post shared on Instagram.
In his statement, Lindelof revealed that he has enjoyed a friendship spanning more than two decades with Kimmel, describing the late-night host in deeply personal and heartfelt terms. He characterized Kimmel as an individual defined by attributes such as sincerity, generosity of spirit, and genuine kindness—qualities that Lindelof stressed provide an accurate reflection of his long-time colleague. Further elevating his praise, Lindelof emphasized that Kimmel is not simply an entertainer but also a patriotic voice who profoundly cares for his nation and its democratic ideals. He did not conceal his profound disappointment, admitting that news of the suspension left him shocked, saddened, and ultimately infuriated, sentiments that he underscored by declaring his hope that the suspension would soon be overturned. In a striking pledge, Lindelof added that if the decision were not reversed, he would find himself unable, in good conscience, to collaborate with the parent company responsible for the action. Anticipating criticism, he urged detractors to pause and consider whether they truly still recognize the crucial difference between malicious hate speech on the one hand and lighthearted comedic commentary on the other—a distinction he asserted remains clear.
ABC, which has been a part of the Walt Disney empire for decades, has maintained Kimmel as one of its longest-running faces since the debut of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* in 2003. Notably, the very next year the network experienced Lindelof’s meteoric rise with the launch of *Lost*, a series that went on to define an entire era of television for its ambitious storytelling. *Lost* lasted six seasons on ABC before concluding, while Lindelof subsequently pursued other highly regarded projects, transitioning into premium cable with HBO, where he captivated audiences through prestige dramas like *The Leftovers* and the innovative adaptation *Watchmen*. More recently, expanding into the superhero genre, he has been tapped to co-write the pilot of *Lanterns*, an anticipated Green Lantern series from DC slated for a 2026 debut on HBO. His consistent success underscores the significance of his refusal to work with Disney, transforming his statement into more than a personal protest and into a bold signal to the entertainment industry.
Lindelof thus becomes one of the most high-profile creative professionals to declare an explicit boycott of Disney over this decision. His stance now converges with those of actors such as Ben Stiller and Jean Smart, as well as numerous political voices, including former President Barack Obama, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. These figures have described the suspension as alarming and even corrupting to public trust. However, political divisions have proved stark: across the ideological spectrum, former President Donald Trump responded not with outrage but with celebration. Writing on Truth Social, he hailed the development, calling the program “ratings-challenged” and praising ABC for its supposed courage in implementing what he framed as a necessary cancellation.
The suspension was confirmed Wednesday by ABC executives, who announced that Kimmel would be removed from the air indefinitely. According to reports, this disciplinary measure followed remarks Kimmel made during a broadcast earlier in the week concerning the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot the prior week. During the episode, Kimmel condemned attempts by right-wing groups to shift responsibility away from their own rhetoric in the wake of the tragedy, accusing them of cynically exploiting Kirk’s death for the sake of political advantage. Though Kimmel had gone out of his way to express condolences to Kirk’s family online, his pointed commentary appeared to alienate some conservative leaders. Notably, Brendan Carr, at the time Donald Trump’s preferred nominee for the chairmanship of the Federal Communications Commission, exerted pressure on ABC as well as corporate parent Disney, urging them to impose punitive action against the host.
The episode marks a collision of entertainment, politics, and freedom of expression, emblematic of the broader cultural battles shaping public discourse today. Lindelof’s decision to stand by his longtime friend amplifies widespread debate about how far corporations should go in protecting talent while balancing sensitivity to political pressures. Whether other creators of comparable stature will adopt similarly uncompromising positions remains to be seen, but his stance decisively elevates the stakes of the controversy far beyond late-night comedy, positioning it squarely within urgent questions of artistic freedom, corporate accountability, and political influence in modern America.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/damon-lindelof-jimmy-kimmel-disney-abc-boycott-2025-9
