Several celebrities from Hollywood have recently joined a growing movement to boycott Disney following ABC’s decision to remove Jimmy Kimmel from the airwaves. Tatiana Maslany, known for her role in the Disney+ series “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” took to her Instagram stories to urge followers to cancel their Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN subscriptions. The broadcaster ABC, owned by Walt Disney, announced the indefinite suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after facing pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding Kimmel’s remarks on the assassination of far-right activist Charlie Kirk.
This move by ABC comes amidst ongoing calls from U.S. President Donald Trump to halt the airing of content he deems objectionable. FCC chair Brendan Carr received criticism for pressuring Disney and local broadcasters to drop Kimmel’s show. In response, there has been a significant backlash and discussions on free speech and censorship, leading to calls for a boycott of Disney and Hulu streaming services.
Prominent personalities like Damon Lindelof and Amy Landecker have expressed their support for the boycott. Lindelof stated on Instagram that he cannot continue working for the company if Kimmel’s suspension is not lifted promptly. Landecker shared a photo of canceling her Disney+ subscription, while Frances Fisher provided guidance on how to boycott Disney and ABC on her Instagram stories.
Social media platforms such as Reddit and X have seen an increase in boycott discussions, including canceling streaming subscriptions, Disney vacations, and cruises. The public outcry against Disney’s decision has been further amplified by individuals like Travis Matthew and comments on platforms like the Disneyland subreddit.
The controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension stemmed from his comments during a recent monologue where he discussed the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Speculation regarding the motive behind Kirk’s murder has led to political debates, with various factions attempting to assign blame. Prosecutors have presented additional evidence against the accused killer, Tyler Robinson, shedding light on his shifting political views.
FCC Chair Carr emphasized concerns about Kimmel potentially misleading the public, prompting executives to schedule a meeting with Kimmel to determine the future of his show. The situation has sparked widespread debates on freedom of speech and media censorship, with the public closely monitoring developments in this ongoing controversy.