From Hollywood Stars to Political Leaders, Pressure Mounts on Disney After Kimmel Controversy
The fallout from Disney-owned ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has sparked a wave of backlash from celebrities, activists, and even political figures. At the center of the controversy: calls to boycott Disney’s streaming platforms and entertainment properties.
Tatiana Maslany Joins the Movement
Tatiana Maslany, star of Marvel’s She-Hulk: Attorney at Law on Disney+, became one of the most prominent voices urging action. On Instagram, Maslany shared a photo of herself in her She-Hulk motion-capture suit with the words:
“Cancel your @disneyplus @hulu @espn subscriptions!”
The post directly acknowledged her connection to Disney but stressed the importance of protesting what she and others view as corporate censorship.
Political and Celebrity Support
Maslany wasn’t alone. Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger told his one million followers on X that Disney and ABC had caved under pressure:
When government intimidation and corporate cowardice meet, free speech dies. Boycott ABC and Disney until they stand up to Brendan Carr’s censorship.
Actress Amy Landecker, best known for her role on Transparent, also took action. Married to The West Wing star Bradley Whitford, Landecker posted an image of her Disney+ cancellation screen.
Disney Ecosystem Protest Checklist
— Exhibitor Relations Co. (@ERCboxoffice) September 18, 2025
Cancel Disney+ (core streaming revenue)
Cancel Hulu (ABC shows stream here; Disney majority-owned)
Cancel ESPN+ (sports arm, bundled often with Disney+/Hulu)
Post cancellations publicly: “Just canceled Hulu. Disney shouldn’t silence Jimmy…
Protest Playbook Circulates Online
Adding fuel to the fire, box office tracking group Exhibitor Relations published what it called a “Protest Playbook” titled Save Jimmy Kimmel. The instructions laid out steps fans could take, including:
• Cancel Disney+: and explain in the cancellation survey that it’s because Kimmel was removed.
• Cut Back on Disney Spending: from theme parks to movies and merchandise.
• Skip ABC Programming: ratings matter, and avoiding their shows makes a statement.
• Contact Advertisers: urging consumers to tell companies that their support depends on Disney defending free speech.
A Growing Corporate Crisis
The suspension of one of late night’s longest-running hosts has triggered a cultural flashpoint. With celebrities, political voices, and grassroots fans all weighing in, Disney faces growing pressure to clarify its position. Whether this movement gains traction on a national scale may hinge on how quickly Disney responds—and how determined viewers are to make their wallets speak.
