media industry

Disney Faces Boycott Pressure as Marvel Stars Join Calls to Cancel Subscriptions Over​ Jimmy⁤ Kimmel Controversy

LOS⁣ ANGELES – september 20, 2025 – A⁣ growing chorus of Marvel actors are amplifying calls for a boycott of Disney+ and other disney-owned platforms following the fallout from late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s recent controversial monologue and subsequent firing.The ‌escalating dispute centers on concerns over potential government overreach into free speech, sparked‍ by FCC Commissioner Brendan⁣ Carr’s suggestion that Disney should ‍face scrutiny for employing​ Kimmel.

The controversy began after Kimmel made remarks perceived as critical of a prominent conservative figure, leading to widespread outrage and demands⁢ for his removal. While Kimmel was ultimately​ fired, Carr⁣ indicated he would pursue further action, ⁣suggesting the FCC could ⁣investigate Disney’s licensing based on the content aired. This prompted a backlash from both ‌sides of the political spectrum, with some conservatives celebrating Kimmel’s dismissal but voicing alarm over potential government censorship. the situation has ignited‌ a debate about the limits of free speech and​ the role of​ regulatory bodies in policing content. Disney, already navigating a challenging media landscape, now faces a potential ‍financial hit as subscribers heed boycott calls.

Senator Ted Cruz, chairman of the senate Commerce⁤ Committee, wich has jurisdiction over the FCC, sharply criticized Carr’s remarks ​as “perilous‌ as hell,” warning against a future where the government can influence broadcast⁣ networks’ content. ‌”I⁤ hate what ‌Jimmy Kimmel said. I am thrilled ⁢that he was fired,” Cruz said Friday⁢ on his podcast.⁣ “But ​let me tell you, if the government ⁢gets in the business of saying, ⁣’We don’t like what you, the media, have said, we’re going to ban you from the airwaves if you don’t say⁣ what we like’-that will end up bad for conservatives.”

Several prominent Marvel actors have publicly voiced support for the boycott,‍ sharing messages on social media encouraging fans to cancel their Disney+ subscriptions. While specific subscription numbers impacted by the boycott are not yet available, industry analysts predict a potential decline in viewership if the controversy continues to escalate. carr told CNBC that “we’re not done yet.”

The debate extends beyond ⁤Kimmel’s specific case, raising broader ⁣questions about⁢ the future of free speech in the media and the potential for⁣ political interference in content creation. The FCC’s⁢ role and its authority to regulate content based on viewpoint remain central to the ongoing discussion.