Jimmy Kimmel may be returning to late-night television, but Disney’s troubles are far from over. The media giant is facing a storm of controversies and financial setbacks, ranging from public backlash and media blackouts to dwindling park attendance and rising streaming prices.
Kimmel was suspended briefly after falsely implying that the man accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk was a Trump supporter. ABC’s decision to reinstate Kimmel has sparked further fallout, with two major network affiliates—Sinclair Media and Nexstar—refusing to air Jimmy Kimmel Live, despite ABC’s green light.
But Kimmel’s controversy is just one of several crises facing Disney this week.
Theme park attendance is reportedly plummeting. A viral video from a visitor at Disney World over Labor Day weekend shows near-empty walkways and no wait times for major attractions like Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion. The visitor described the Magic Kingdom as “a tomb,” raising questions about why one of the busiest holidays for the parks saw so few guests. Florida’s overall tourism numbers, meanwhile, are up—making Disney’s empty parks all the more striking.
Disney’s streaming platform, Disney+, is also under pressure. Subscriber growth has slowed, and the company has responded by hiking prices. In the U.S., the ad-free tier will rise from $15.99 to $18.99 next month. UK users are seeing similar increases, with reports of a $13.50 annual hike. These changes follow several quarters of reported streaming losses and subscriber drop-offs.
Adding to Disney’s legal headaches, the company is being taken to court by law firm Morgan & Morgan over the use of Steamboat Willie—the original 1928 version of Mickey Mouse that entered the public domain in 2024. The firm seeks legal clarity on whether their use of the character in an ad could still invite a lawsuit from Disney, which has a long history of aggressively defending its intellectual property. Disney declined to comment on the request, prompting the firm to file suit.
The company is also navigating growing political scrutiny and consumer backlash, particularly over its handling of cultural content and alleged ideological bias in programming and talent. ICE supporters and conservative leaders have taken particular issue with Disney’s perceived hostility toward traditional values and law enforcement, with Kimmel’s remarks serving as a flashpoint.
The compounded issues—from public relations disasters to financial downturns—paint a bleak picture for Disney’s leadership. As the company attempts to steady its footing, major stakeholders and longtime fans alike are watching to see if the magic can be restored.
