A boycott movement targeting Disney is spreading rapidly after ABC affiliates owned by Nexstar and Sinclair removed “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from their stations. The show was pulled following host Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial remarks about the assassin of Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10. Viewers angry over the suspension are canceling subscriptions to Disney‑owned streaming services like Disney+ and Hulu, and are demanding the reinstatement of Kimmel.
On social media platforms and message boards, including Reddit threads, users say they are having trouble cancelling subscriptions—pages crash or fail to load. Some posts show success: “Already cancelled my Disney subscription.” Celebrities and public figures have added fuel to the boycott. Cynthia Nixon, Rosie O’Donnell, Tatiana Maslany, and others have urged their followers to cancel Disney+ and Hulu, citing concerns over free speech and corporate overreach. Memes, posts, and videos have spread online encouraging people to vote with their wallets.
The backlash stems from Kimmel’s remarks, in which he allegedly falsely claimed that Charlie Kirk’s assassin was aligned with Trump or “the MAGA gang.” Many viewers consider his remarks unverified and say ABC’s decision to suspend the show was heavy handed. Disney, ABC, Patreon critics, and media observers are now under pressure for how they handled the situation. Some argue that the removal of the show was a capitulation to political pressure.
Though viewership loss figures are not yet clear, signals indicate that cancellations are mounting. In addition to canceling streaming services, some people say they will avoid other Disney‑owned properties and companies affiliated by advertisement. Protesters outside Disney headquarters have also decried the suspension as censorship. Others argue that even if Kimmel returns, trust in Disney/ABC has been shaken.
Media analysts suggest this could be a costly public relations issue for Disney if not addressed quickly. The company may face a dilemma: either reinstate the show or continue to deal with cancellation waves and negative perception. The stakes include subscriber revenue, brand loyalty, and the broader conversation about free speech in entertainment.
