‘Andor’ Writer Dan Gilroy Calls Out Trump, Draws Parallels Between ‘Andor’ and Kimmel Fallout
Dan Gilroy, a writer for the Disney+ series Andor, has spoken out about Disney’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! following comments Kimmel made about Trump’s reaction to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Gilroy’s statement connects the show’s themes to real-world events and criticizes both the Trump administration and Disney.
“Disney suspended Jimmy Kimmel for speaking his mind,” Gilroy said, highlighting what he sees as a suppression of free speech. He drew parallels between Andor—which he worked on for six years, exploring authoritarian takeovers—and the current political climate. “Many people saw parallels between Andor and the real world. I see them as well, particularly in the events of the last week,” he explained.
Gilroy specifically called out Donald Trump’s influence, saying, “Donald Trump’s tools of governance, coercion and intimidation, have found focus on Hollywood. Faced with a social media firestorm, fear, and an FCC head threatening ‘they can do this the easy way or hard way,’ Disney suspended Jimmy Kimmel for speaking his mind.”
He added that those working in the entertainment industry may soon face situations where they have to choose between conscience and hardship.
The Andor writer warned that Disney is at a crossroads: either terminate Kimmel’s contract and comply with political pressures, or defend free speech. “There’s not much at stake, just free speech, the oxygen that sustains life in this town,” he said. Gilroy urged artists and viewers to educate themselves, organize, and speak truth to authority. “The story’s not written — the pen is in your hand,” he added.
ANDOR writer Dan Gilroy has released a statement critiquing the Trump administration and commenting on the parallels between the show and Disney’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel.
— Star Wars Holocron (@sw_holocron) September 20, 2025
“As one of the writers on the Disney+ drama Andor, we spent six years thinking about a fascist takeover… pic.twitter.com/ZZW2HrYVqn
The suspension itself came after Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns the largest number of ABC affiliates in the U.S., announced it would stop airing Kimmel’s show.
Sinclair said it spoke with ABC and agreed to preempt the program indefinitely, and ABC has since paused production. “Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” said Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith. He also noted the need for FCC oversight, saying the incident shows a “critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks.”
Some observers argue the suspension is politically motivated, while former President Trump suggested it may be related to falling ratings.
Data shows Jimmy Kimmel Live! has lost viewers over the last decade, dropping from an average of 2.4 million in 2015 to 1.6 million in 2025. Among adults aged 25-54, the decline is even sharper, from nearly 1 million in 2015 to just 261,000 in 2025, a 72% drop.
Gilroy’s comments add to the ongoing debate over free speech, political influence, and the role of media in America, highlighting the tension between creative expression and external pressures.
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