During a recent appearance at the Bloomberg Screentime media conference, acclaimed late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel took a reflective tone as he expressed heartfelt appreciation for Disney executives in the wake of the temporary suspension of his long-running program, *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*. His remarks were particularly generous when he spoke about Dana Walden, Disney’s influential entertainment co-chairman and widely regarded as a leading candidate to assume the role of Disney CEO once Bob Iger steps down next year. With clear admiration, Kimmel emphasized how crucial Walden’s empathy, insight, and counsel had been during a turbulent period. He admitted candidly that his ability to navigate the uncertainty and public scrutiny of the suspension was strengthened by frequent discussions with Walden, explaining that her perspective helped him better understand the motivations and challenges facing everyone involved—including the corporation, its leadership, and himself.
Expanding on his gratitude, Kimmel observed that the events of the preceding weeks had placed Disney’s executives under an intense and, in his view, unfair spotlight. He described Walden’s professionalism and composure in the midst of what he considered an unbalanced media storm as a demonstration of her extraordinary leadership and integrity within a company known for its demanding public image. Expressions such as, “I happen to love Dana Walden very much and think she’s done a great job,” underscored both a deep personal respect and a recognition of her deft handling of the situation. Kimmel did not shy away from calling the controversy “insane,” further highlighting his frustration over the perceived injustice toward his network superiors.
Shortly before these comments, Kimmel had returned to the air on September 23 with a broadcast that managed to blend emotional candor and social commentary. Opening with a monologue that struck a careful balance between humor and critique, he used the platform to address Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr as well as former President Donald Trump. Though pointed, his remarks sought to bridge divides by appealing to values of open dialogue and freedom of expression—principles he suggested both conservatives and liberals should cherish. Kimmel’s willingness to engage directly with contentious issues demonstrated why his show holds a unique place in late-night television, fostering both laughter and introspection.
In his reflection, Kimmel also praised ABC for granting him a rare degree of creative freedom, allowing the program to explore sensitive or boundary-pushing topics even when doing so tested the comfort level of upper management. He expressed immense respect for the network’s courage in maintaining that permissive editorial stance. However, he also acknowledged his discontent with their decision to pull him off the air, admitting frankly that he had opposed it from the outset. “I did not agree with that decision,” he revealed, noting that this disagreement led to numerous conversations between himself and the network’s leadership—a process he characterized as respectful yet emotionally charged.
The decision to suspend *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* had come the week prior, following Kimmel’s controversial remarks concerning conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s death and former President Trump. The comments provoked backlash from FCC official Brendan Carr, and major ABC affiliate groups such as Nexstar and Sinclair announced they would temporarily refrain from broadcasting his show. This reaction prompted the network to pause production and reevaluate its position amid heightened political tension. Nonetheless, when Kimmel returned under the Disney banner, his comeback episode achieved notably high ratings, evidencing continued audience support and cultural relevance. Within days, the same station groups that had withheld the program quickly reversed course and reinstated it on their schedules.
Looking ahead, Kimmel revealed a surprising and somewhat lighthearted aspiration: the prospect of hosting Donald Trump as a guest on his show. With characteristic wit, he remarked that he would “love to have Trump on the show,” suggesting that such an encounter could serve not only as a moment of television spectacle but also as an opportunity for dialogue across ideological divides. In his words and his demeanor, Kimmel conveyed both resilience and a willingness to continue engaging with complex topics—even when they evoke controversy—reflecting the blend of conviction, humor, and adaptability that has defined his career for over two decades.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/jimmy-kimmel-praises-disney-dana-walden-after-return-abc-2025-10
