Disney has a long history of cutting ties with celebrities when controversy strikes. From Roseanne Barr’s racist tweet that ended her ABC reboot to Gina Carano’s social media posts that got her written out of The Mandalorian, the entertainment giant hasn’t shied away from taking swift action. Now, with Jimmy Kimmel ’s late-night show suspended after backlash over his monologue, fans are once again revisiting Disney’s track record of firings and how these situations compare.
Learn more below.
Jimmy Kimmel
Although Kimmel hasn’t been officially fired, ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely in September 2025 after the host made controversial remarks about the shooter, Tyler Robinson, of Charlie Kirk. His comments sparked backlash from conservatives, drew pressure from the FCC, and ultimately led ABC to pull the show. The suspension has since fueled heated debates over censorship and free speech under the Trump administration.
Roseanne Barr
Barr’s ABC reboot of Roseanne was canceled in 2018 after she posted a racist tweet comparing former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett to characters from Planet of the Apes and the Muslim Brotherhood. Barr apologized, calling it a “bad joke,” but ABC swiftly fired her and replaced the series with The Conners.
In September 2025, Barr responded to the situation by rejecting comparisons between her firing and Kimmel’s suspension. On X, she posted, “They aren’t the same. I wasn’t fired for lying I was fired for telling the truth about the Iran deal and slandered into oblivion. This will still be worse for our side than theirs. Kimmel will get an entire PR tour to clear his name with the backing of all media.”
Gina Carano
Carano was fired from The Mandalorian in 2021 after posting a series of controversial social media messages, including one likening the treatment of conservatives to Jews during the Holocaust. Lucasfilm called her posts “abhorrent and unacceptable,” and Disney cut all ties with her.
James Gunn
Director James Gunn was fired by Disney in 2018 after old offensive tweets resurfaced, including jokes about rape and pedophilia. Following backlash and support from fans and cast members, Gunn was rehired in 2019 to direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Johnny Depp
Disney dropped Johnny Depp from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise in 2018 amid his highly publicized legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, who accused him of abuse. Although Depp denied the allegations and later won a defamation trial, Disney has not reinstated him in the role of Captain Jack Sparrow.
Orlando Brown
Orlando Brown, best known for starring in Disney Channel’s That’s So Raven, was effectively fired by Disney following multiple arrests and erratic public behavior. His personal struggles, including drug-related charges and troubling social media posts, led Disney to distance itself from the actor.
Jake T. Austin
Jake T. Austin exited Wizards of Waverly Place before its final season after clashing with producers and being accused of unprofessional behavior on set. Reports at the time suggested Disney “let him go” because of growing concerns over his conduct.