Disney+ Faces Cancellation Surge After Pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live! — Fans Slam Streaming Giant
In the wake of ABC’s indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! , Disney is experiencing a significant backlash from subscribers, with many opting to cancel their Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions. The decision to pull Kimmel’s show has sparked outrage among fans and celebrities alike, leading to widespread calls for a boycott of Disney’s streaming services.
The Suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The controversy began on September 17 when ABC announced the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following Kimmel’s comments regarding Tyler Robinson, the man charged with the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. During his opening monologue on September 15, Kimmel criticized the portrayal of Robinson by MAGA supporters, stating, “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.” This comment drew ire from conservatives, who took issue with Kimmel’s implication that Robinson was affiliated with their movement.
Subscriber Backlash and Social Media Reaction
Following the suspension announcement, social media erupted with users sharing their cancellation receipts under the hashtags #CancelDisney and #CancelDisneyPlus. Many fans expressed their frustration, with one user urging others to “let them know how pissed off you are” by canceling their subscriptions. Another user on Reddit declared, “This isn’t a slippery slope, it’s a cliff, and Disney just went off it,” vowing to boycott all Disney products, including movies and merchandise.
A Facebook user shared their decision to discontinue their Disney+ account after being a member since 2019, citing Kimmel’s suspension as the primary reason for their protest. The growing number of cancellations has reportedly led to frequent crashes on the Disney+ cancellation page, indicating a surge in subscriber discontent.
Celebrity Support for the Boycott
The outrage is not limited to regular fans; several celebrities have also weighed in on the controversy. Tatiana Maslany, the star of Disney+’s She-Hulk: Attorney at Law , called on her followers to cancel their subscriptions in a recent Instagram reel. Former Supernatural actor Misha Collins announced to his 2.6 million followers on X that he would cancel his Disney+ subscription “indefinitely.” Actor Wil Wheaton suggested a coordinated national day of cancellations to send a clear message about American values.
The Broader Implications of the Suspension
The suspension of Kimmel’s show has reignited discussions about free speech and the role of media companies in regulating content. Critics argue that Disney’s actions reflect a troubling trend of silencing dissent and criticism of political figures, particularly in the context of the current polarized political climate in the United States.
Former Vice President Mike Pence weighed in on the matter, stating that Kimmel’s suspension should not be viewed as censorship since it was a decision made by ABC, not the government. He commented, “The First Amendment does not protect entertainers who say crass or thoughtless things, as Jimmy Kimmel did in the wake of a national tragedy.” Pence expressed his preference for the FCC chairman to have refrained from commenting on the situation.
David Letterman’s Perspective
Speaking at The Atlantic Festival, late-night television legend David Letterman expressed his concerns about the implications of Kimmel’s suspension. He remarked, “I feel bad about this because we all see where this is going, correct? It’s managed media. It’s no good. It’s silly. It’s ridiculous.” Letterman criticized the idea of firing someone out of fear or in an attempt to appease an authoritarian regime, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity in media.
Conclusion
Disney’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! has sparked a wave of cancellations and boycotts, reflecting growing frustrations among subscribers regarding perceived censorship and the handling of political discourse in media. As calls for accountability and transparency continue, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between artistic expression and corporate responsibility in today’s media landscape. With both fans and celebrities voicing their discontent, the future of Disney’s subscriber base may hinge on the company’s response to this ongoing controversy.