The entertainment giant, Disney, is facing a significant backlash following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show on ABC. The controversy ignited after Kimmel's comments regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk sparked outrage and calls for regulatory action from the FCC. This has led to a wave of online protests, with users canceling subscriptions to Disney's streaming services, including Disney+ and Hulu, and even canceling Disney vacations.
The protest extends beyond online platforms. Demonstrations have taken place outside Disney's Burbank headquarters, and social media is ablaze with angry comments from subscribers. Adding fuel to the fire, several prominent Hollywood celebrities, including actors from Marvel productions, are publicly endorsing the boycott. Tatiana Maslany, star of "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law," posted an Instagram image urging followers to cancel their Disney+ subscriptions, while Marisa Tomei, known for her roles in Spider-Man and Avengers films, reposted a similar call to action.
The situation has escalated further with renowned writer and producer Damon Lindelof, creator of the ABC series "Lost," expressing solidarity with Kimmel and threatening to sever ties with Disney if the suspension isn't lifted. This high-profile support for Kimmel adds significant weight to the growing boycott movement, potentially causing substantial financial repercussions for Disney.
Disney's recent quarterly report highlighted the significant contribution of its streaming services and theme parks to its overall profitability. With Disney+ boasting 128 million subscribers and Disney+ and Hulu combined reaching 183 million, the streaming business's growth has been a crucial factor in offsetting weaker performance in film and television. A sustained boycott could severely impact these key revenue streams.
The controversy stems from Kimmel's criticism of what he termed the "MAGA gang" for their response to Kirk's assassination. Following Kimmel's comments, FCC Chair Brendan Carr labeled the remarks "truly sick" and threatened regulatory action against ABC and Disney. This prompted Nexstar Media Group, owner of 32 ABC affiliate stations, and Sinclair Broadcasting, the nation's largest ABC affiliate group, to preempt Kimmel's show, further escalating the conflict.
The debate extends to the broader issue of free speech and government regulation of media. While Senator Ted Cruz expressed his disapproval of Kimmel's comments, he also voiced concern about the potential for government overreach in media censorship. Cruz warned against setting a precedent where the government can dictate acceptable speech, emphasizing the potential for such power to be misused against conservative voices in the future. The ongoing situation highlights a complex interplay between free speech, political polarization, and the immense power of media conglomerates like Disney.
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Originally published at: https://fortune.com/2025/09/20/disney-boycott-subscriptions-marvel-stars-abc-tv-jimmy-kimmel-fcc/
