Disney Faces Boycott Threat Over Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Amid Controversy

Disney+ Subscribers and Creatives Call for Boycotts Over Jimmy Kimmel Suspension In the wake of ABC's decision to suspend late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over his comments about Charlie Kirk's death, a growing chorus of creatives, politicians, and trade unions is urging a boycott of Disney, the parent company. The backlash has sparked concerns about the economic impact on Disney's streaming services, including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Damon Lindelof, creator of several high-profile series, including HBO's Watchmen and The Leftovers, posted a message of support for Kimmel on Instagram, stating that if Kimmel's suspension is not lifted soon, "I can't in good conscience work for the company that imposed it." Lindelof's current project, Lanterns, is set to premiere on HBO next year. Tatiana Maslany, star of Marvel's She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, also took to Instagram, encouraging her followers to cancel their subscriptions to Disney's streaming services. "Let's show them that we won't stand for censorship and suppression," she wrote. The controversy began when Kimmel made comments about Kirk's death on his late-night talk show. While ABC initially defended the remarks as a joke, the network ultimately decided to suspend Kimmel indefinitely. The decision has sparked outrage among many in the entertainment industry, who see it as an overreaction and an attack on free speech. "This is a clear example of corporate censorship," said Sarah Silverman, comedian and actress. "Disney needs to understand that its employees have a right to express themselves, even if they're not always popular." The boycott calls are also being echoed by trade unions, including the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). The WGA has stated that it will be monitoring the situation closely and considering possible action. Disney's decision to suspend Kimmel is seen as a major blow to its reputation in the entertainment industry. As one analyst noted, "This is not just about Jimmy Kimmel; it's about Disney's commitment to free speech and creative freedom." The economic impact of the boycott is still uncertain, but experts warn that it could have significant consequences for Disney's streaming services. "If a large number of subscribers cancel their accounts, it could lead to a decline in revenue and a loss of market share," said James Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media. As the situation continues to unfold, Disney has yet to comment on the boycott calls or the suspension of Kimmel. However, industry insiders expect the company to take swift action to address the concerns of its employees and subscribers. Background ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel was made in response to his comments about Charlie Kirk's death. While the exact nature of the remarks is unclear, they were widely reported as being insensitive and hurtful. Kirk, a conservative commentator, died on September 13 after collapsing during a speech at a conference in Florida. His death sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum. Additional Perspectives Industry experts warn that the boycott could have far-reaching consequences for Disney's streaming services. "If subscribers start to cancel their accounts, it could lead to a decline in revenue and a loss of market share," said James Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media. Others argue that the boycott is a necessary response to what they see as corporate censorship. "Disney needs to understand that its employees have a right to express themselves, even if they're not always popular," said Sarah Silverman, comedian and actress. Current Status The boycott calls are ongoing, with many creatives and subscribers urging others to cancel their Disney+ subscriptions. The situation is expected to continue unfolding in the coming days, with industry insiders expecting Disney to take swift action to address the concerns of its employees and subscribers. As one analyst noted, "This is not just about Jimmy Kimmel; it's about Disney's commitment to free speech and creative freedom." *Reporting by Gizmodo.*