Disney shareholders demand records on Jimmy Kimmel suspension decision amid board duty concerns

Disney shareholders are pressing the company to release internal records related to its decision to suspend late-night host Jimmy Kimmel earlier this month, saying the board may have failed to uphold its fiduciary duties.

According to a letter reviewed by Business Insider, lawyers representing the American Federation of Teachers and Reporters Without Borders requested emails, meeting notes, and financial analyses concerning the suspension. The shareholders also asked Disney to disclose details of its agreements with broadcast affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair, as well as any communications with government officials or political groups.

Kimmel was briefly suspended from ABC, which is owned by Disney, after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr condemned the comedian’s comments about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Carr suggested that ABC’s broadcast licenses could come under review. Nexstar subsequently pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! before ABC announced that the program would be suspended “indefinitely.” Kimmel returned to the air on September 23 following widespread criticism of the decision.

In their letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger, the shareholders stated there was “a credible basis to suspect that the Board and executives may have breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty, care, and good faith by placing improper political or affiliate considerations above the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.”

Disney’s stock declined by roughly 3.3% between Kimmel’s suspension on September 17 and his reinstatement on September 23. While Nexstar and Sinclair have not confirmed whether they will air the show going forward, Kimmel’s comeback episode drew significant attention online, reaching 6.26 million YouTube views — his most-watched clip of 2025.

Under Delaware law, shareholders of incorporated companies have the right to request access to board-level records if misconduct is suspected. The coalition warned Disney it may pursue legal action if the documents are not provided within five business days.