Attorneys representing two groups of Disney shareholders are demanding records related to the company’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel under pressure from the Trump administration.
As Variety notes, the letters were sent to Disney CEO Bob Iger on behalf of the American Federation of Teachers (which is affiliated with the AFL-CIO) and the nonprofit Reporters Without Borders. It says the records request is “to investigate potential wrongdoing, mismanagement, and breaches of fiduciary duty” by the Disney board, executives, or others connected with the decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
“There is 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,” the letter reads.
While the AFT’s and RWB’s attorneys did write that the groups were “pleased” that ABC “did the right thing and put Jimmy Kimmel back on the air,” they noted that Disney’s “stock suffered significant declines” following the original decision. The letter also expressed concern over Trump’s continued attacks on free speech, including his threat to sue ABC following Kimmel’s return.
“The fallout from suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live! sparked criticism as an attack on free speech, triggered boycotts and union support for Mr. Kimmel, and caused Disney’s stock to plummet amid fears of brand damage and concerns that Disney was complicit in succumbing to the government overreach and media censorship,” the letter read. “And the negative repercussions on Disney and its stockholders remain, given that, following the announcement that the show would be returning to the air, Donald Trump issued a new threat on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating on September 23, 2025, that ‘I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do.’”
The AFT and RWB are demanding the records be sent to them within five days of the letter (which is dated Sept. 24). Pending review of the documents, the two groups could file a derivative lawsuit, which allows shareholders to act on behalf of a company and sue the corporation’s own directors and officers, as well as other third parties who may have harmed the company.
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