Disney, including its parks across the country, is being boycotted after a political firestorm.
Disney CEO Bob Iger Facing Harsh, Extreme Criticism Following Charlie Kirk, Jimmy Kimmel Ordeal
It began with one viral clip, then exploded across every corner of the internet. Within minutes, social feeds were flooded with outrage, memes, and rallying cries—millions of people demanding action, millions more demanding restraint. At the center of the storm sits Disney, the global brand that for nearly a century has symbolized family fun, imagination, and storytelling magic.
But this latest controversy is bigger than a single soundbite. It has quickly escalated into a cultural flashpoint that could reshape how fans, critics, and entire industries view Disney. Whether you’re booking your first trip to the parks or following the latest streaming wars, the debate over Disney’s role in this controversy affects far more than television schedules.
So what exactly happened—and why does it matter so much right now? Let’s break it down.
The Breaking News That Sparked the Firestorm
On Wednesday night, ABC stunned viewers by announcing that Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been pulled from the schedule indefinitely following backlash over comments the host made about the tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The move followed swift condemnation from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who urged stations to stop airing what he described as “garbage.” What raised even more eyebrows was the timing: the announcement came as Nexstar Media Group pursues a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, currently awaiting FCC approval.
Current President Donald Trump hailed the suspension as “Great News for America” in a Truth Social post, but unions including SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America accused Disney-owned ABC of caving to political pressure. For Hollywood, the battle lines are now clear—and Disney is stuck in the middle.
Fans Respond: Boycott Calls Gain Momentum
In the hours that followed, hashtags urging a Disney boycott began trending nationwide, spreading beyond political circles and into fan forums and vacation planning groups. Some fans said they would cancel trips in protest, while others defended the parks as separate from the controversy.
Just canceled my Disney+ account! #BoycottABCNetwork #BoycottDisney
Just canceled my Disney+ account! #BoycottABCNetwork #BoycottDisney pic.twitter.com/AoVauONIj0
— Victor Hugo ❤️🔥🧡 (@Victorhugoswift) September 18, 2025
The ripple effect is hard to ignore. In past controversies, Disney saw short-term dips in attendance or merchandise sales—but this one comes at a time when the company is already facing pressure from declining cable revenues and rising competition in the streaming space.
I’m putting my money where my mouth is. Are you? Cancel anything you have to do with Hulu,@Disney and #BoycottABC Don’t go to Disney parks. Don’t buy their merchandise. Don’t watch their movies or channels. Cancel Disney+ if you have it. #WeAreJimmyKimmel
I’m putting my money where my mouth is. Are you? Cancel anything you have to do with @Hulu, @Disney and #BoycottABC Don’t go to Disney parks. Don’t buy their merchandise. Don’t watch their movies or channels. Cancel Disney+ if you have it. #WeAreJimmyKimmel pic.twitter.com/57v67AxtJY
— Braveswyn (@Braveswyn) September 18, 2025
For vacationers, it’s worth noting that whenever public pressure swells, unexpected impacts can occur at the parks, from fluctuating crowds to swings in ticket demand.
Tips for Visiting Disney Amid the Buzz
If you’re planning a Disney trip during this wave of headlines, here are strategies to make sure your vacation isn’t overshadowed:
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Monitor attendance shifts: Political controversies sometimes impact crowd levels in surprising ways—be prepared for either lighter or heavier turnouts.
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Leverage Genie+: Book attractions early through the app to maximize your time, regardless of attendance swings.
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Seek out alternate routes: EPCOT’s International Gateway and Disney Skyliner resorts often allow for smoother entry.
Why It Matters Beyond the Headlines
Disney has long been more than a company—it’s a cultural touchstone. That’s what makes this moment so significant. For supporters of the boycott, this is about demanding accountability. For critics, it’s a worrying sign of censorship.
At its core, the controversy reflects the tension between Disney’s identity as a family-friendly escape and its role as a powerful media empire intertwined with politics, news, and entertainment. Fans aren’t just buying park tickets anymore—they’re weighing values, identity, and loyalty.
And for Disney, that means the stakes are higher than ever.
Disney has survived countless storms in its history, but this latest clash may test how much goodwill remains with its fans. Whether the boycott grows or fades, the one certainty is that the company’s every move will be scrutinized in ways that ripple far beyond late-night TV.
👉 Do you think this boycott will stick—or is it just noise? Drop your thoughts and let us know.
The 1st amendment needs to be protected. If ABC/Disney won’t… boycott everything they touch! No cruises, theme parks, television shows, Disney+, Movies, Hulu, etc. Cancel your subscriptions today! Tell your children why this is so important.
It has nothing to do with the first amendment. It’s about truth at a trying time in our country. Kimmel outright lied on air angering millions of people. I her did the right thing.
Go tell your sob story to someone who cares. Trump supporters have lied about everything for years, including much worse than any of this. Hillary was right, deplorable.
That doesn’t actually matter. Brendan Carr threatened to pull their licenses. That’s government intimidation and it’s a violation of the first amendment. Kimmel is a comedian, not a journalist. Although “journalists” lie every day on Fox News. Also, information is changing quickly on this case so Kimmel probably thought he was correct when he said it. Bottom line is you may not like Kimmel, but this has huge ramifications. Remember, despite what Trump plans, he will not be president forever. Do you want your speech restricted?
I have had a problematic relationship with since several years ago they showed a similar lack of backbone and, not wishing to upset the Chinese, withdrew Martin Scorsese’s wonderful and poignant film of the Dalai Lama, Kundun from many international territories.
If money is more important than having a moral compass, Disney does not deserve our support.
Mark
Name ONE thing Kimmel lied about. You can’t!
Anything relating to Trump.
Prove it. I have not seen it. Also, he is a comedian.
BS this is censorship! Otherwise Fox would be shut down.
Actually Kimmel did not lie. You obviously have no idea what Kimmel actually said. This is what he said “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.” It wasn’t attacking Kirck and it wasn’t a lie. It was his opinion and there is no where in the Consitution that says a comedian cannot give his opinion.
If you don’t like what he said then sue him. That’s what commander in cheat does when he doesn’t get his way.
He didn’t lie. You really need to watch the video and be informed.
IF DISNEY IS WITH TRUMP… I NO LONGER AM WITH DISNEY.. I WILL NOT SUPPORT A FASCIST MOUSE
Trump isn’t. Your delusion is why this is the correct course of action.
Oh their opinion doesn’t matter? Trump supporters are always to throw blame for something they are guilty of.
We can’t have Zip-a-dee-doo-dah at the parks because someone on Twitter thought it was racist, but we can pander to a fascist dictator. Sounds about right. Fire Bob Iger.
Exactly. Bob is 73. Time for a 40-something CEO who is willing to stand up for what is right.
As soon as I heard, I canceled my Disney and Hulu combo. No more marvel movies or shows for me. It’s a small price to pay to support the freedom of speech.
I am horrified at the demise of the American dream. Freedom of speech is a foundation of your country. (Hello isn’t it #1 ) I use to visit regularly but have no plans to visit or spend a red cent on anything American. Good luck to the real Americans not the fascists
I’m in Canada and we support the struggle of Americans under the current authoritarian regime. I cancelled my Disney+ this morning and will not support any company that goes along with this anti-democratic hateful government in the Whitehouse.
Here here ! Well said
I love Disney. My daughter did the DCP twice in her college years. We started flying and staying every year since then. But I can’t support a company that earns billions a year yet cowers at the very first sign of illegal threats from this dictatorship. That rolls over and plays dead because it will hurt their bottom line. I will miss watching my marvel movies, I will miss my Hulu Live and I will miss going to the parks. But I will miss my freedoms in this country much more. Have to take a stand at some point.
I love Disney, but I love the United Constitution more!
Freedom of speech and consequences of that freedom! Entertaining the country and making us laugh and enjoy late night talkshows is what should be the point not dividing the country on someone’s personal political opinion. I am with Disney, President Trump and the USA! I just subscribed to Disney+, Hulu and I will plan to visit Disneyland next weekend.
#StandwithDisney #StandwithTrump
You have ZERO understanding of what “free speech” is.
Here’s the hint: if there are “consequences” that involve the government making illegal threats, it isn’t “free speech” and it isn’t the American way.
It would be helpful if you actually understood the Constitution. The government is not allowed to intimidate or stop free speech. Do you even know what Kimmel said? It wasn’t a lie. And comedians have been making fun of presidents and politicians since the beginning of this great country. JD Vance said last year that people need to be able to take a joke. Well that includes thin skinned Trump. But unlike the Fox news host that called for the execution of all homeless people, Kimmel was making a joke. His statment didn’t get people killed unlike the Fox host after his statement about homeless people, there was someone who actually did that in Minnesota.
All those saying they quit should be forceable made to come back.
A true fascist, you are.
This is sad, but Disney is dead to me. I’m a conservative, but clearly left of these MAGA tyrants and bootlicks. There are things more important than tribal nonsense and childish entertainment. I can’t make decisions for anyone but myself, but Disney has motivated me to cut them loose.
Hear! Hear!
MAGA isn’t conservative. It never was. Trump doesn’t believe in the Constitution or the Free Market, he only believes in whatever the last person told him to believe. He’s a tyrant, and also, a very dumb tyrant.
Thanks to everyone who is taking this seriously … sold my stocks today