Disney Streaming Hit by Wave of Cancellations After Kimmel Suspension
Disney is facing a wave of cancellations from its streaming services after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely.
The suspension followed Kimmel’s September 15 monologue, in which he commented on MAGA’s reaction to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel said, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
The move by ABC, which is owned by Disney, came after Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr criticized Kimmel’s remarks.
Carr, a Trump appointee, said Kimmel’s comments were “appearing to directly mislead the American public.” Nexstar Media also decided to stop airing Kimmel’s show on its ABC affiliate stations. The decision sparked outrage among viewers on social media, many of whom posted screenshots of their canceled subscriptions using hashtags like #CancelDisney and #CancelDisneyPlus.
Fans expressed their frustration online, blaming Disney for yielding to political pressure. One user wrote, “I canceled @hulu & @DisneyPlus immediately… My reason—ABC caving to Trump & his Fascism. Hurt ’em where it counts, their wallets!” Another said, “Our annual trip to Disney Orlando won’t happen… I’m putting my money where my mouth is.”
The backlash has also drawn attention from celebrities. Tatiana Maslany, star of Disney+’s She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, urged her fans on Instagram to “Cancel your (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN) subscriptions.” Former Supernatural actor Misha Collins shared on X that he would cancel his Disney+ subscription “indefinitely.”
Conservative viewers were upset by Kimmel’s implication that the man charged with Kirk’s death was connected to MAGA. Authorities have not confirmed a motive as of September 19. Carr, appearing on commentator Benny Johnson’s YouTube show, labeled Kimmel’s remarks as “the sickest conduct possible.”
This controversy has reignited debate about free speech, media influence, and political pressure on corporations. Disney is now facing the challenge of balancing public reaction with corporate and political relationships.
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