Oliver blasts corporate cowardice and urges Disney boss Bob Iger to resist political pressure — bluntly telling him, “Fuck you, make me.”
On the Sept. 21 episode of Last Week Tonight, John Oliver spent much of the show dissecting Jimmy Kimmel’s indefinite suspension from ABC and used the platform to call out what he described as corporate cowardice — with Disney CEO Bob Iger squarely in his sights.
Oliver mapped out the week’s events and the corporate players involved before turning his attention directly to Iger. With his trademark mix of sarcasm and moral outrage, Oliver joked, “Hi there, Bob. We haven’t met, but you probably know me as America’s third favorite Zazu,” referencing his voice role in The Lion King.
But the levity quickly gave way to a stern warning: history will remember the businesses that folded to pressure — whether for money, convenience or comfort.
Oliver argued that appeasing a bully only encourages more bullying. He pointed to a social media post from President Trump calling for action against late-night hosts and noted a hint from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr that The View could be targeted next. Those examples, Oliver said, underline that capitulation doesn’t stop attacks — it fuels them.
Pressing his case, Oliver urged Disney to stop rolling over and to pick fights it can win in court rather than squeaking away. “At some point you’re going to have to draw a line,” he said, adding that the moment to draw it is now.
Then, in language that drove the point home bluntly, Oliver offered his advice to corporate executives: use the one phrase that makes a weak bully back down — “Fuck you, make me.”
The segment framed Kimmel’s suspension as more than a personnel move; Oliver cast it as a test of corporate courage and a barometer for how big media companies will respond when political pressure collides with creative freedom.
Whether Disney follows his advice remains to be seen, but Oliver made clear he believes surrender only invites more demands.
Readers: what do you think — should Disney fight back publicly or prioritize business safety? Share your take.
