Michael Eisner Drops Bombshell Critique of Bob Iger’s Leadership Amid Jimmy Kimmel Chaos
In a stunning twist within the entertainment industry, a new wave of tension has erupted between former Disney CEO Michael Eisner and his successor, Bob Iger. The controversy began when Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension from ABC rocked the late-night landscape, with many fans and critics voicing their discontent.
While the incident alone would have been enough to stir up conversation, Eisner’s bold comments about Iger’s handling of the situation have made headlines. The criticism has ignited a firestorm, with Eisner’s words bringing a sharp focus to the ongoing turmoil within Disney.
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The battle over leadership has been a constant within the company ever since Iger took over for Eisner in 2005. Eisner, who led Disney through a transformative era, often finds himself at odds with Iger’s decisions, especially in moments of controversy. The recent suspension of Kimmel’s show, following comments he made about right-wing activist Charlie Kirk and former President Donald Trump, has sparked an uproar.
Now, as Disney faces protests and backlash, the former CEO is not holding back.
The controversy surrounding Kimmel’s suspension from ABC began when the late-night host made headlines for his outspoken comments about the Trump administration. Fans were quick to express their frustration after Kimmel’s show was abruptly pulled from the air. The suspension, along with the ensuing protests outside Disney’s Burbank studios, forced the company into damage control mode.
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Eisner, ever the figurehead of the Disney company’s past, weighed in on the situation in a dramatic fashion.
In a scathing tweet, Eisner remarked:
Where has all the leadership gone? If not for university presidents, law firm managing partners, and corporate chief executives standing up against bullies, who then will step up for the first amendment? The “suspending indefinitely” of Jimmy Kimmel immediately after the Chairman of the FCC’s aggressive yet hollow threatening of the Disney Company is yet another example of out-of-control intimidation. 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.” By-the-way, for the record, this ex-CEO finds Jimmy Kimmel very talented and funny.
Where has all the leadership gone? If not for university presidents, law firm managing partners, and corporate chief executives standing up against bullies, who then will step up for the first amendment? The “suspending indefinitely” of Jimmy Kimmel immediately after the…
— Michael Eisner (@Michael_Eisner) September 19, 2025
For many Disney enthusiasts, Eisner’s comments are a reminder of a different era. Under his leadership, Disney expanded globally, introducing new theme parks, launching innovative technologies like FastPass, and overseeing the production of films that would go on to define the Disney brand.
However, as his tenure ended, it was clear that not all aspects of his leadership were free from criticism, especially regarding his clashes with fellow executives, including Roy E. Disney, which ultimately led to his exit.
Despite this rocky departure, Eisner’s impact on Disney is undeniable. His contributions to the company’s success still resonate, and his candid approach to leadership has kept him in the spotlight long after his time at the helm.
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In the wake of the Kimmel suspension, his perspective carries weight, especially considering the magnitude of the decision to suspend a show that has been a fixture of ABC’s programming for years.
The situation began escalating when FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, following the comments from Kimmel, made threats against Disney and Iger. The pressure from various political and corporate figures escalated quickly, culminating in the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
A once-innocent broadcast now became a battleground for free speech and corporate influence. The action sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment community, as networks and producers alike expressed concern about the potential chilling effect on freedom of expression.
As the fallout from Kimmel’s suspension continues to unfold, the key question remains: how should Disney’s leadership move forward? Eisner’s call for stronger, more assertive leadership could set the stage for deeper discussions within the company. While Iger has been praised for some of his moves since taking over as CEO again in 2020, such as the successful launch of Disney+, his handling of controversial issues like this one is raising questions.
Eisner’s intervention comes at a time when Disney’s media presence is under increasing scrutiny. The clash between Kimmel, Iger, and the larger political and corporate environment presents a complex challenge for the company. Should Disney bow to external pressures, or does the company have a responsibility to protect its talent, even at the expense of public opinion?
What do you think of Michael Eisner’s critique of Bob Iger’s leadership? Do you agree with his view that Iger’s decision to suspend Kimmel was a sign of weak leadership? How should Disney handle future controversies in a more robust way? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
