Howard Stern cancels Disney+ subscription over ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel

Radio host Howard Stern has publicly announced that he is canceling his Disney+ subscription in response to ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Stern made the statement on his SiriusXM radio show Monday, voicing support for his longtime friend Jimmy Kimmel and condemning what he described as political interference in network decision-making. ABC is owned by Disney.

“As you know, ABC threw Jimmy off the air,” Stern said during the broadcast. “I don’t know what their plan is… but when the government begins to interfere, when they orchestrate a way to silence you, it’s the wrong direction for our country.”

Stern, who has faced censorship battles himself throughout his career, said that although he didn’t ask Kimmel for details, he felt strongly about the implications of the move. “ABC shouldn’t have to be in this position,” he added, noting that his decision to cancel Disney+ was a small way of voicing his disapproval: “I’m trying to say with the pocketbook that I do not support what they’re doing with Jimmy.”

Kimmel’s suspension has sparked backlash from several entertainment figures. Stephen Colbert called the network’s decision “blatant censorship” aimed at appeasing President Donald Trump. Jimmy Fallon expressed concern over growing fears of censorship in late-night television, pledging not to stop making political jokes. Meanwhile, Last Week Tonight host John Oliver criticized Disney and ABC for yielding to pressure, saying, “Giving the bully your lunch money doesn’t make him go away… At some point, you have to draw a line.”

Stern joins a growing list of public figures, including Cynthia Nixon and Noah Centineo, who have canceled Disney+ in protest. The situation continues to fuel a broader debate over media independence, political influence, and freedom of expression in the entertainment industry.