The widespread cancelling and boycotting of Disney in 2025 stems mainly from a political controversy involving ABC, a Disney-owned network. The immediate cause was the indefinite suspension of the show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after the host made comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This suspension has been perceived by many as a violation of free speech and censorship, sparking outrage and calls for a boycott of Disney and its associated services like Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN. High-profile figures, including Marvel actress Tatiana Maslany and several writers and commentators, urged fans to cancel their Disney subscriptions in protest. Social media campaigns with hashtags like #BoycottDisney gained traction, as did calls to reduce spending on Disney products, parks, and shows. Critics argue that Disney's decision to suspend Kimmel was influenced by political pressure and censorship concerns. The situation has escalated to a cultural flashpoint, affecting Disney's reputation among fans and leading to a subscriber decline and public backlash across social platforms.
In summary, the Disney cancellations reflect a backlash to perceived censorship after the removal of Jimmy Kimmel's show following controversial comments about Charlie Kirk, which many view as an attack on free speech and led to widespread boycott calls.
