In a bold move of support for embattled late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, renowned television creator Damon Lindelof has announced that he will not work with Disney until the network lifts its indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Lindelof, best known for creating Lost and Watchmen, expressed his shock, disappointment, and anger over Disney-owned ABC’s decision to suspend Kimmel’s show, which came after controversial comments Kimmel made regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

“I was shocked, saddened, and infuriated by yesterday’s suspension and look forward to it being lifted soon,” Lindelof wrote in an emotional Instagram post. “If it isn’t, I can’t in good conscience work for the company that imposed it.”

Lindelof’s comments followed Kimmel’s monologue earlier in the week, in which he criticized the political right’s efforts to downplay the shooter’s apparent motives. The controversy triggered severe backlash from conservative figures and networks, leading to threats from Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to take action against ABC. In response, Nexstar Media, a major owner of ABC’s affiliate stations, announced it would pre-empt Jimmy Kimmel Live due to its “strong objections” to Kimmel’s remarks.

Lindelof isn’t alone in his support for Kimmel. Hollywood’s power players are rallying behind the host, with unions such as the Writers Guild of America (WGA), SAG-AFTRA, and the American Federation of Musicians issuing statements condemning ABC’s decision. Lindelof, however, is one of the first major names to announce a direct boycott. Filmmaker Boots Riley also suggested that the Directors Guild of America (DGA) should call for a strike against Disney-affiliated projects if they don’t reverse the suspension, stating that the DGA’s power could force a reversal in mere hours.

Lindelof continued his Instagram post by urging followers to consider the difference between hate speech and comedy, asking, “If you’re about to fire up in my comments, just ask yourself if you know the difference between hate speech and a joke. I think you still do.”

The WGA issued a statement in defense of Kimmel, emphasizing that the right to freely express differing opinions and to disturb the status quo is at the core of a free society. SAG-AFTRA also voiced its concern, labeling the suspension an act of suppression that threatens the freedoms of all creators and individuals.

The suspension, and the resulting fallout, raises significant questions about freedom of expression and corporate power within the media. As Kimmel faces mounting scrutiny and Lindelof leads the charge in a growing boycott, the entertainment industry is watching closely to see if this controversy signals a shift in how political speech and media freedom are handled by major corporations.