‘She-Hulk‘ Star & Allies Demand Disney Boycott Following Jimmy Kimmel Suspension
Following the suspension of late-night host jimmy Kimmel, a growing chorus of actors, writers, and fans are calling for a boycott of Disney properties, including Disney+, Hulu, and ABC, citing concerns over censorship and corporate interference in creative expression. The movement gained momentum after the revelation of a “protest Playbook” circulated by box office tracking firm Exhibitor Relations,detailing specific actions too pressure Disney.
The dispute stems from Kimmel’s recent monologue criticizing the Wisconsin Supreme Court decision that effectively ended the state’s abortion protections. After facing backlash from conservative groups, Kimmel was suspended by ABC, sparking accusations of Disney bowing to political pressure. This incident has ignited a broader debate about the boundaries of political commentary in entertainment and the potential for corporations to stifle dissenting voices, with potential ramifications for future programming and creative freedom within Disney.
Tatiana maslany, star of the Disney+ series “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” publicly endorsed the boycott on social media, stating, “Just canceled Hulu. Disney shouldn’t silence Jimmy Kimmel.” She was joined by numerous other actors and writers who expressed support for Kimmel and condemned Disney’s actions.
The “Protest Playbook” outlined several strategies for consumers to express their discontent. These include canceling Disney+ subscriptions and providing feedback citing Kimmel’s removal as the reason, reducing spending on Disney parks, movies, and merchandise, and actively avoiding ABC programming while making the reason for doing so known. The playbook also encourages contacting advertisers of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to express disapproval of their continued support.
Exhibitor Relations further publicized Disney CEO Bob Iger’s email address and the contact information for ABC viewer relations,aiming to facilitate direct dialog from concerned viewers. A tweet from Exhibitor Relations Co. detailed a checklist for protesting the ”Disney Ecosystem,” specifically targeting Disney+,Hulu,and ESPN+.