Disney CEO Bob Iger approved the return of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* this week after facing backlash over the suspension of the late-night host. Insiders say this decision was influenced by a sharp public rebuke from his predecessor, Michael Eisner, as reported by *The New York Post*.

Iger initially moved to bench Kimmel following widespread criticism of the host’s remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Kimmel claimed the suspect was part of the “MAGA gang,” a statement that sparked protests from Disney affiliates Sinclair and Nexstar, which refused to carry the program.

According to reporting, Eisner, 83, wrote, “Where has all the leadership gone?” He added, “Maybe the Constitution should have said, Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, except in one’s political or financial self-interest.”

Industry veterans told *Puck News* that the criticism hit Iger hard due to their long and difficult history. Iger reportedly loathes Eisner, who oversaw a contentious succession process two decades ago. Sources recalled that Eisner “tortured and humiliated” Iger during that time, making his recent rebuke especially damaging.

Observers said Eisner likely would have handled the Kimmel controversy differently, possibly by pushing back on affiliates rather than suspending the show. “Michael doesn’t give a f**k what anybody else thinks if he thinks he’s doing the right thing,” one former Disney insider said.

The fallout extended beyond corporate decisions. Unions representing creatives, entertainers, and A-list celebrities accused Iger of capitulating to pressure, arguing that his actions undermined free speech. Iger and his wife, Willow Bay, were also scheduled to host a fundraiser for women in media at their Los Angeles home. However, reports indicate that members of the host committee considered withdrawing in protest.

The suspension and reinstatement of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* underscored ongoing tensions within Disney as Iger continues to navigate political and industry pressures since returning to the CEO role in late 2022.

Eisner’s comments marked a rare public intervention on political issues. “I can’t think of a time when he weighed in on something that was political with a capital P,” said Dan Wolf, Disney’s former vice president of corporate communications.

Iger succeeded Eisner in 2005 after a shareholder revolt weakened Eisner’s position. He quickly shifted Disney away from his predecessor’s centralized style, notably repairing ties with Pixar. Despite stepping down, Eisner has remained a figure whose opinions still carry weight in the industry, as seen in the latest dispute.

*The New York Post* reached out to Iger, Willow Bay, and Disney for comment. A representative for Eisner said he would not expand on his remarks beyond last week’s post on X.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/09/disney-ceo-bob-thin-skin-iger-restores-jimmy-kimmel-show-after-eisner-rebuke/