Disney’s Jimmy Kimmel suspension has started a mouse-on-mouse fight.
Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner criticized the company’s decision to pull “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from ABC indefinitely after the late-night host’s remarks on Charlie Kirk’s death.
“Where has all the leadership gone?” Eisner said in an X post on Friday, referencing Kimmel’s suspension.
Although Eisner — who ran the Mouse House from 1984 to 2005 — didn’t call out current CEO Bob Iger by name, he took a clear shot at his successor.
Eisner lamented what he characterized as the capitulation of university presidents, law firm partners, and other corporate leaders to Trump and his allies.
“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,'” Eisner wrote.
In the post, Eisner defended Kimmel, praising him as “very talented and funny.”
He didn’t immediately respond to a request for further comment.
Disney has been the target of backlash in recent days in Hollywood and beyond, including protests at its studio headquarters in Burbank, California.
Eisner ran Disney for more than two decades. During his tenure, the company’s market value grew from around $2 billion to a full-fledged entertainment giant worth roughly $60 billion. Disney is now valued at over $200 billion.
Related stories
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
In 2005, following a shareholder revolt, Eisner stepped down, making way for Iger, who had been the company’s COO, to begin his notable tenure.
Eisner — like Iger more than a decade later — was criticized for not establishing a clear succession plan. It was even reported by The New York Times that Eisner tried to undermine Iger up to his final hours.
While Eisner cut all official ties to Disney soon after his departure, he has commented on the goings on at the House of Mouse.
As recently as last year, Eisner spoke out in support of the company when it was under fire from activist investors led by Nelson Peltz. Still, his comments at the time came with a small swipe.
In referencing a previous attempt at a corporate raid, Eisner said that a takeover would have “ended the Disney Company as we know it.”
“The board turned to me and Frank Wells, and a different story was written,” he added, referring to the former Disney president. “One that was continued by Bob Iger and his executive team.”
