Hollywood outrage is in full swing again, and this time it’s Lost creator Damon Lindelof leading the charge. The writer and producer, who has made a career cashing Disney checks, is now threatening to cut ties with the company because ABC benched Jimmy Kimmel Live after Kimmel’s inflammatory remarks about conservatives and Donald Trump’s response to Charlie Kirk’s murder.
‘Lost’ Creator Damon Lindelof Melts Down Over Jimmy Kimmel Suspension, Threatens to Boycott Disney
In a lengthy Instagram post, Lindelof showered Kimmel with praise, calling him “generous,” “kind,” and a man who “loves his country.” He insisted he had been a fan for years before becoming friends with the host, then dramatically declared he was “shocked, saddened, and infuriated” over Disney’s decision.
“If it isn’t [lifted], I can’t in good conscience work for the company that imposed it,” Lindelof huffed, as if Disney executives were sitting around refreshing Instagram, waiting to see what he thought. He also scolded anyone who dared to disagree, smugly writing, “ask yourself if you know the difference between hate speech and a joke.” Apparently, in Lindelof’s world, if Jimmy Kimmel says it, it’s always just a joke.
Entertainment journalist Matt Belloni shared the post on social media, claiming other big names in Hollywood might also boycott Disney in solidarity. In reality, that probably translates to more self-righteous soapbox speeches from celebrities who aren’t likely to walk away from seven-figure contracts anytime soon.
The whole thing has the feel of yet another Hollywood pity party — wealthy elites rushing to defend one of their own while ignoring the fact that ordinary people might actually find Kimmel’s comments offensive. For Lindelof, though, it seems easier to posture on Instagram than to admit that sometimes free speech comes with consequences.
The irony, of course, is glaring. Disney helped launch Lindelof’s career into the stratosphere with Lost, and he’s happily worked under their banner ever since. Now suddenly the Mouse House isn’t worthy of him because his buddy got suspended? Don’t hold your breath waiting for Lindelof to walk away from Disney money when the next big project comes knocking.
