Lost” Creator Damon Lindelof Cuts Ties With Disney Over Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Hollywood in Shock!
Damon Lindelof Boycotts Disney Over Jimmy Kimmel Suspension: “I Can’t in Good Conscience Work With Them”
In a bold stand that’s shaking up Hollywood, acclaimed screenwriter and producer Damon Lindelof has announced he will no longer work with Disney until “Jimmy Kimmel Live” is reinstated on ABC. The move comes after Disney-owned ABC suspended the popular late-night show indefinitely due to public backlash over controversial remarks Kimmel made involving conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Lindelof, best known for creating the cultural phenomenon “Lost” — which aired on ABC for six seasons — took to Instagram with a powerful message:
“I was shocked, saddened, and infuriated by yesterday’s suspension… If it isn’t lifted soon, I can’t in good conscience work for the company that imposed it.”
The “Watchmen” and “The Leftovers” creator added a pointed remark aimed at critics in his comment section:
“If you’re about to fire up in my comments, just ask yourself if you know the difference between hate speech and a joke. I think you still do.”
Why Was Jimmy Kimmel Suspended?
Kimmel drew criticism from conservative circles after commenting on Kirk’s assassination during a recent monologue, accusing “the MAGA gang” of trying to deflect responsibility. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Brendan Carr threatened regulatory action against ABC, and Nexstar Media — a major network of ABC affiliates — quickly followed by announcing it would stop airing the show for the “foreseeable future.”
This move by Nexstar comes as it seeks approval from the FCC for a $6.2 billion media merger, raising questions about potential political motivations behind the backlash.
Hollywood Pushes Back — Strong Union Support Builds
Lindelof isn’t standing alone. Filmmaker Boots Riley, known for Sorry to Bother You, urged the Directors Guild of America (DGA) to launch a full-scale strike against all Disney-affiliated productions until the network reverses its decision.
“If DGA has its members not show up for any ABC/Disney/Hulu/Marvel show… they’ll reverse the decision within hours AT MOST,” Riley posted on X.
Meanwhile, several Hollywood powerhouses — including the Writers Guild of America (WGA), SAG-AFTRA, and the American Federation of Musicians — have issued statements in full support of Kimmel.
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WGA: “The right to speak our minds… is not to be denied. Not by violence, not by government abuse, and not by corporate cowardice.”
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SAG-AFTRA: “The decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live is suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone’s freedoms.”
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A Defining Cultural Moment
Damon Lindelof’s pledge not to collaborate with Disney marks one of the most prominent public boycotts in recent memory — one that could influence the course of network television and free speech in Hollywood.
As more voices from the industry rise in defense of Jimmy Kimmel and the core values of creative freedom, the pressure is mounting on Disney and ABC to revisit their decision.
For now, the future of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” remains uncertain — but the conversation it has ignited is only just beginning.
