By Dawn Chmielewski
Sept 18 (Reuters) - Walt Disney DIS.0 representatives and talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel raced to find the right words on Wednesday to calm a social media furor that erupted following criticism of his remarks about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Kimmel’s comments in his monologue on Monday had angered many, and the reaction reached a fever pitch on Wednesday, including death threats that raised concerns for the safety of Kimmel and his staff, the source said. The late-night host prepared to make a statement, but Kimmel and Disney representatives could not find language that they agreed would not further inflame the situation, the source said.
As the show’s 4:30 p.m. taping time approached, Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment co-Chairman Dana Walden agreed that the best approach would be to take the show off the air and later find a way to bring Kimmel back, the source said. Walden informed Kimmel of the decision.
A representative for Kimmel did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
