Disney Favorability Hits Multi-Year Low Amid Jimmy Kimmel Controversy

The Walt Disney Company has experienced a significant decline in public sentiment and subscriber cancellations following its handling of the Jimmy Kimmel controversy related to his comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. After Kimmel was temporarily suspended and then reinstated, sentiment toward Disney dropped to multiyear lows among both Democrats and Republicans, with Democrats showing a particularly sharp decline. The controversy led to an estimated 1.7 million cancellations across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, marking a 436% spike over normal churn rates. Both political groups criticized Disney's actions, with Democrats viewing Kimmel's removal as an attack on free speech and Republicans seeing his return as disrespectful to Kirk's memory. Additionally, a recent Disney+ price hike compounded the negative public perception. Analysts suggest Disney faced a no-win situation, alienating both sides regardless of its decision, and the fallout has made Disney a cultural flashpoint amid ongoing political tensions.