Disney Sues FCC Over 'Retaliatory Campaign' Against ABC News
The Walt Disney Company and eight of its ABC television affiliates have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
The complaint alleges that the FCC has violated ABC's constitutional right to free speech by initiating an early review of the stations' broadcast licenses in April, which Disney and ABC believe is a retaliatory campaign against them for their perceived biased reporting on President Trump.
The dispute began after late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel made a remark about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk's alleged killer being part of the 'MAGA gang', sparking outrage from the president and others on the right.
Citing the FCC's actions as an attempt to punish or suppress disfavored expression, Disney and ABC are seeking to enjoin the defendants from taking any action against them in relation to the license renewal applications.