Damon Lindelof Unleashes Fury on Disney/ABC Over Jimmy Kimmel's Return Amidst WGA Strike, Calls it a 'Sham'

In a powerful and unequivocal condemnation, acclaimed showrunner and WGA Negotiating Committee member Damon Lindelof has publicly excoriated ABC and Disney for allowing Jimmy Kimmel Live! to return to air during the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike. Lindelof, known for his work on 'Lost' and 'Watchmen,' didn't mince words, labeling the network's move as a transparent and cynical attempt to undermine the striking writers.

The controversy ignited as ABC announced the 'suspension' of Jimmy Kimmel was being lifted, paving the way for his show to resume production.

This decision comes months after Kimmel's staff had admirably walked out in solidarity with the WGA, bringing the popular late-night program to a halt. Lindelof, a vocal advocate for writers' rights and a key figure at the negotiating table, viewed this return not as a sign of progress, but as a deliberate provocation.

Taking to social media, Lindelof's frustration was palpable.

He unequivocally called the return a 'sham,' directly challenging the narrative that Kimmel's show could operate legitimately while the core issues driving the strike remained unresolved. His criticism centered on the perceived disrespect shown by Disney/ABC to the thousands of writers who are fighting for fair compensation, better working conditions, and protections in the age of streaming and AI.

Lindelof highlighted the stark hypocrisy of the situation.

While Kimmel's staff, who had initially stood in solidarity, were now back at work, countless WGA members were still on the picket lines, facing severe financial strain and uncertainty about their futures. He argued that the timing of Kimmel's return was calculated, designed to break the unified front of Hollywood labor and pressure other striking entities, or even the WGA itself, into unfavorable concessions.

The veteran writer's impassioned statement resonates deeply within the striking community, reinforcing the sentiment that the studios are not genuinely committed to resolving the dispute.

Instead, their actions are seen as a continuation of tactics aimed at weakening the resolve of the unions. Lindelof's public stand serves as a rallying cry, reminding all involved that the fight for a fair deal is far from over and that the solidarity among workers remains paramount in the face of perceived corporate antagonism.

As the WGA strike continues to impact productions across Hollywood, Lindelof's forceful critique underscores the growing tension between labor and the major studios, signaling that the battle for a sustainable future for writers is only intensifying.