Jennifer Aniston has publicly criticized Disney for suspending her close friend Jimmy Kimmel from ABC, describing the move as both dangerous and unthinkable. Addressing the controversy in an interview with Elle magazine’s Women in Hollywood series, the actress highlighted the significant backlash the entertainment giant faced, especially as many viewers canceled their Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions in protest.
Aniston Highlights the Voice of Viewers Amid Streaming Cancellations
Reflecting on the mass subscription cancellations that followed Kimmel’s suspension, Aniston emphasized that the response from viewers sent a powerful message to Disney. She stated,
“Unthinkable things are happening. It’s very dangerous and very unfortunate. But at the end of the day, we’re the viewers. We subscribe to these networks and streaming services, so it really comes down to the people and their voices. All those subscription cancellations spoke volumes,”
underscoring the influence audiences hold in shaping corporate decisions.
The Importance of Dialogue and Understanding Across Political Divides
The Friends star also stressed the importance of listening to all sides of political discussions, warning that current tensions are causing potentially lasting damage. She urged Americans to engage respectfully, explaining,
“We all need to listen to both sides. That’s what we’ve lost. We’ve lost communication, we’ve lost sitting across a table and having a discussion that is productive, learning from each other. It feels like everyone is sort of stuck in their positions, and it’s my way or the highway, and that’s just not how the world works.”
Background on Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension and Public Outcry
Jimmy Kimmel was removed from ABC’s schedule in September 2025 after he addressed the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk during his late-night show. The decision triggered a swift public backlash, with many viewers expressing their disapproval by canceling their Disney-related streaming memberships. High-profile Disney actors joined the conversation, condemning the company’s actions and supporting Kimmel.
Industry Stars Rally in Support of Kimmel
Actors within Disney’s ranks voiced their opposition to the suspension. Tatiana Maslany, star of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, encouraged fans to cease supporting the company through social media. Similarly, Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in The Mandalorian and The Fantastic Four, shared a photo with Kimmel, writing,
“Standing with you, Jimmy Kimmel. Defend free speech, defend democracy.”
Mark Ruffalo, who portrays the Hulk, warned Disney about the potential financial consequences if they refused to reinstate Kimmel.
Disney Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel Amidst Growing Pressure
Under mounting public pressure, Disney reversed its decision and welcomed Kimmel back to his show one week later. During his first episode following the return, Kimmel expressed gratitude to those who stood by him and clarified his previous remarks about Kirk. He explained that his intention was not to insult the deceased but to focus his criticism solely on the assailant responsible for the activist’s death.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! Airs Weeknights on ABC
Jimmy Kimmel Live! continues to broadcast weekdays at 11:35 PM Eastern Time and 8:35 PM Pacific Time on ABC, maintaining its position as a prominent late-night talk show despite the recent controversy.
