BREAKING: ABC has just announced the immediate suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” as host Jimmy Kimmel faces backlash for controversial comments regarding Charlie Kirk. The decision, confirmed by Disney-owned ABC, marks a significant shake-up in late-night television, escalating tensions within the network.
Talent manager James Dixon is at the center of this storm, juggling urgent discussions to potentially reinstate Kimmel’s show. Dixon, who manages Kimmel alongside Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, is reportedly in constant contact with network executives. As of Thursday, he was on a Zoom call with Disney TV co-chair Dana Walden and ABC late-night head Rob Mills, but no agreement has been reached.
The fallout comes just weeks after CBS announced that “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” would also be canceled in May 2026, intensifying the atmosphere of uncertainty in late-night programming. Dixon’s firm, Dixon Talent, which he founded in 2001, was acquired by WME-IMG in 2015, increasing his influence across Hollywood.
Dixon is known colloquially as “Baby Doll,” a nickname he earned for affectionately calling everyone by that name. According to comedy personality Sal “Cousin Sal” Iacono, “He’s a tough-talking, tougher-smoking talent agent… and I mean everyone.” This unique persona adds a layer of complexity to his negotiations during this critical time.
In a twist of fate, Dixon even appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” back in 2017 during a segment with Colbert, showcasing the lighter side of his career. However, the current situation is anything but lighthearted, as Dixon races against time to salvage Kimmel’s show.
As developments unfold, fans and industry insiders alike are left wondering how this will impact late-night television moving forward. The stakes are high, and with Dixon’s deep connections in the industry, all eyes are on him as he navigates this challenging moment.
Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking news story as we continue to monitor the situation.