John Oliver Confronts Disney's Bob Iger Over Kimmel Backlash on Last Week Tonight

John Oliver Defends Jimmy Kimmel, Tells Bob Iger to Stop "Rolling Over" In a passionate defense of late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, John Oliver took aim at Disney CEO Bob Iger on his HBO program Last Week Tonight. The episode aired on September 22, 2025. Oliver began by addressing the recent death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, saying, "A person getting shot is tragic, and a person getting shot for their ideas is horrifying, no matter what those ideas are." He acknowledged that some people may have found it difficult to remain silent in the face of Kirk's ideologies, but warned against using his death as an excuse to silence critics. Oliver specifically targeted Iger, saying, "I think you should tell your team at Disney to stop rolling over for bullies and to start standing up for free speech." He argued that Kimmel's show was being unfairly targeted by conservative groups, who were using Kirk's death as a pretext to silence liberal voices in the media. The controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live began when the show was taken off the air after a segment criticizing a children's hospital fundraiser. Conservative groups accused Kimmel of being insensitive and exploiting the situation for ratings. Oliver defended Kimmel's right to free speech, saying, "If you can't handle the heat, stay out of the kitchen." He emphasized that comedians like Kimmel have a responsibility to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. Background context is essential in understanding this issue. The controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live highlights the ongoing debate about free speech and censorship in the media. As AI-generated content continues to rise, concerns about the role of satire and comedy in shaping public discourse are becoming increasingly relevant. Additional perspectives on this issue come from experts in the field of media studies. Dr. Rachel Kim, a professor at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, said, "John Oliver's defense of Jimmy Kimmel is a timely reminder that free speech is not just a right, but also a responsibility." She emphasized the importance of nuanced and thoughtful commentary on complex issues. The current status of this controversy remains uncertain. Disney has yet to respond to Oliver's criticisms, and it remains to be seen whether Kimmel will return to the air with his show. However, one thing is clear: the debate about free speech and censorship in the media is far from over. In conclusion, John Oliver's defense of Jimmy Kimmel serves as a reminder that comedians have a vital role to play in shaping public discourse. As AI-generated content continues to rise, it is essential that we prioritize nuanced and thoughtful commentary on complex issues. *Reporting by Rollingstone.*