Disney faces $3.8 billion loss as boycott grows over Jimmy Kimmel suspension

Disney, long regarded as one of the world’s leading entertainment companies, is facing mounting public criticism and reports of major financial losses after the suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

According to Culture Base (September 20, 2025), the company’s market value reportedly dropped by $3.87 billion overnight. While Disney has not officially confirmed the figures, multiple outlets have noted a decline in stock prices. The controversy stems from ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! following remarks Kimmel made about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

The decision has fueled an intense online debate, with hashtags such as #BoycottDisney trending on X (formerly Twitter). Many social media users argue the suspension reflects an attack on free speech and comedy. Some subscribers have announced cancellations of Disney+, Hulu, and ABC, while others have pledged to boycott upcoming releases including Zootopia 2 and Avatar 3.

Kimmel has received public support from notable figures, including former U.S. President Barack Obama and fellow late-night hosts Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and Jon Stewart. Critics of Disney’s move suggest the company acted under political pressure, pointing to former President Donald Trump’s past remarks against Kimmel.

The backlash extended beyond viewers. Actress Tatiana Maslany, known for She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, urged her followers on Instagram to cancel subscriptions to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN. Actor Misha Collins also announced on X that he had ended his Disney+ subscription, while Wil Wheaton called for a nationwide “day of cancellations” on BlueSky to protest the company’s actions.

Kimmel, whose contract with ABC expires next year, has been in talks with executives regarding his future. Since 2003, he has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! in the 11:35 p.m. ET time slot and also fronted major network events including the Academy Awards.

Pressure to remove Kimmel stemmed from Nexstar, which owns 32 ABC affiliates and is pursuing a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna. Nexstar announced it would not air Kimmel’s show after comments he made about the Charlie Kirk murder investigation. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr also threatened to review ABC’s license, despite the fact the FCC does not have authority to revoke it over such matters.

Sinclair Broadcasting, another conservative media group, later said it would also pre-empt Kimmel across 34 ABC affiliates. In total, nearly a quarter of ABC’s 250 affiliates dropped his show.

Disney’s capitulation may harm both its reputation and finances, and suggested further political targeting could extend to ABC’s The View.