Jimmy Kimmel Called 'Unmanageable' Amidst Contract Uncertainty
Sources close to Disney and ABC reportedly describe the late-night host as difficult, as his contract renewal remains in question.
Jimmy Kimmel has been described as a "high-maintenance big-shot" who is difficult to work with at Disney, according to sources speaking to Page Six. These claims emerge as the future of his late-night talk show on ABC hangs in the balance, with his current one-year contract set to expire in May.
One source told Page Six that Kimmel is "unmanageable" and "never played well in the sandbox." Another source suggested that Kimmel's reputation at ABC has contributed to the stalled contract negotiations. This source pointed to comments Kimmel made at Disney's upfront presentation in May, where he joked about "bullsh*t" and costing the company money due to his commentary on Charlie Kirk.
Concerns have also been raised about Kimmel's perceived reluctance to appear on other ABC programs, such as "Good Morning America" and "The View," with one source stating he did not want to be seen as a "shill." According to this source, when Kimmel does appear on these shows, he can be difficult and expects them to promote his own work without reciprocating.
However, other sources have pushed back against these characterizations, citing Kimmel's appearances on "Good Morning America" and "Live With Kelly and Mark" last May. They also highlighted his repeated hosting of the Oscars, which airs on ABC. One insider suggested that Kimmel has been a "a better corporate partner because he was on thin ice" following a suspension last year.
Reports in September suggested that Kimmel's contract might not be renewed, though ABC initially dismissed this as "inaccurate" and "purely speculative." A subsequent report indicated that the holdup in contract talks was related to Disney Chairman Debra O'Connell's directive to cut the show's budget. Disney President Dana Walden acknowledged the challenges of the late-night time slot and the need to balance business interests with their long-standing partnership with Kimmel.
"We're trying to make sense of the business, while also honoring a deep partnership," Walden stated. She added, "The truth is, it's a very challenging daypart - late night." Walden expressed affection for Kimmel, noting their "great friendship."
Kimmel agreed to a one-year contract last year, a departure from his usual three-year deals. He has been a fixture on late-night television for 24 years. A source close to the situation estimated that a 20 percent cut to the show's approximate $100 million budget might be a possibility.