Hollywood has once again found itself in the middle of controversy, and this time, it involves one of television’s most respected late-night hosts, Jimmy Kimmel, and acclaimed writer-producer Damon Lindelof. The situation has sparked debates across the entertainment industry, with Lindelof openly declaring his refusal to work with Disney or ABC until Kimmel’s suspension is lifted.
Damon Lindelof’s Public Support for Jimmy Kimmel
Damon Lindelof, known for his groundbreaking work on the hit series Lost and other major Hollywood projects, has long been connected to ABC and Disney. However, in a heartfelt Instagram post, Lindelof made it clear that his professional relationship with the company will not continue unless Jimmy Kimmel is reinstated.
“I first heard Jimmy Kimmel on Kevin & Bean shortly after I moved to Los Angeles in my twenties,” Lindelof wrote, reflecting on his early admiration for the comedian. “I was a fan of his goofy, honest wit from the start, and I never imagined we’d one day be friends.”
He recounted their first meeting backstage at the ABC upfronts in 2004, right after Kimmel had seen the Lost pilot. Kimmel, impressed by the show, jokingly told Lindelof and his team, “I hope you guys know what you’re doing.” That moment, Lindelof said, marked the beginning of a friendship that has lasted nearly two decades.
Over the years, Lindelof has also gotten close to Kimmel’s wife, Molly McNearney, who serves as co-head writer for Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He affectionately referred to her as Kimmel’s “better three quarters.”
Kimmel’s Character, According to Lindelof
In his message, Lindelof painted a picture of Kimmel that contrasted sharply with the controversy surrounding the late-night host’s suspension.
“Anyone who knows Jimmy knows he is caring, empathic, and grateful,” Lindelof emphasized. He added that Kimmel is a patriotic figure who values humor and can handle a roast just as well as he delivers one. Beyond comedy, Lindelof highlighted Kimmel’s philanthropic efforts and his steadfast support for his crew during multiple industry strikes.
Most importantly, he underlined Kimmel’s kindness, calling him a genuinely good person whose reputation has always been rooted in compassion and generosity.
Shock Over Kimmel’s Suspension
Lindelof did not hold back his emotions, admitting he was “shocked, saddened, and infuriated” by the decision to suspend Kimmel. He called for the action to be reversed quickly, stating that if it isn’t, he cannot “in good conscience” work with Disney or ABC.
His remarks carried extra weight considering his history with the company. Lindelof co-created Lost alongside J.J. Abrams and Jeffrey Lieber, which ran successfully on ABC from 2004 until 2010. He also co-showran the series with Carlton Cuse, cementing his long-standing relationship with Disney-owned properties.
For Lindelof to publicly cut ties—at least temporarily—signifies a serious stance that could influence other Hollywood creatives.
Kimmel’s Controversial Monologue
The controversy erupted after Kimmel’s remarks during his September 15 monologue. Just days after the tragic killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Kimmel criticized the political response.
He accused certain MAGA Republicans of attempting to distance themselves from the ideology of Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson. “We hit some new lows over the weekend,” Kimmel said, pointing out how political groups were trying to spin the narrative for their own advantage.
Two days later, Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suspended. The decision stunned fans and industry insiders alike, many of whom viewed Kimmel’s comments as biting political satire rather than grounds for disciplinary action.
Lindelof’s Hollywood Journey Beyond Disney
While Lindelof has a deep history with ABC, his career has expanded into other major projects. Currently, he serves as an executive producer and writer on HBO’s upcoming DC series Lanterns.
In 2022, he also began work on a new Star Wars project that was supposed to feature Daisy Ridley reprising her role as Rey. The film was set to be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. However, by March 2023, Lindelof had exited the project after Lucasfilm asked him to step away, later replaced by screenwriter Steven Knight.
Despite this departure, Lindelof’s connection to Disney through Star Wars highlights just how significant his statement about refusing future collaboration truly is.
Free Speech vs. Hate Speech Debate
In his Instagram post, Lindelof concluded with a thought-provoking question: “Do you know the difference between hate speech and a joke?” He insisted that Kimmel has always known where that line is drawn, emphasizing his support with the words: “Jimmy, you’ve always known what you were doing. Love you and support you.”
His comments reflect a broader cultural debate surrounding comedy, free speech, and political correctness. In today’s polarized climate, comedians often find themselves at the center of disputes over where humor ends and harmful rhetoric begins.
For Lindelof, the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel appears to be more than a professional matter—it’s a personal issue rooted in loyalty and principles. His decision to take a public stand shows that Hollywood figures are increasingly willing to risk professional opportunities in defense of their peers.
Final Thoughts
The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has become more than just a network decision—it’s now a flashpoint in discussions about free speech, political satire, and the role of late-night television. Damon Lindelof’s declaration not only underscores his loyalty to Kimmel but also raises questions about the future of creative freedom within corporate-owned media.
With fans and industry insiders watching closely, the situation will likely continue to spark debate. Whether or not Disney and ABC decide to reverse their decision remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Damon Lindelof is standing firm in his support, and others may soon follow his lead.