Jimmy Kimmel's ABC suspension sparks boycott calls against Disney: ‘Hit them where it hurts'
DisneyDisney(US:DIS) New York Post·2025-09-18 14:58

Core Viewpoint - ABC's suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" due to the host's comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk has led to significant backlash, including calls for boycotts of ABC and its parent company, Disney [1][4][15]. Group 1: Backlash and Boycotts - Social media users and influencers are actively promoting boycotts against ABC and Disney, with hashtags like BoycottDisney and BoycottABCNetwork trending on platforms such as X and Bluesky [1]. - Political commentator JoJoFromJerz urged her followers to boycott everything affiliated with ABC and Disney, leveraging her 1 million followers to amplify the message [2]. - Activist Wajahat Ali called for a "collective boycott" until Kimmel is reinstated, suggesting that the financial impact on corporations would compel them to reconsider their decisions [4]. Group 2: ABC's Decision and Reactions - ABC suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after Kimmel's remarks about Kirk, which included accusations against the "MAGA gang" for exploiting Kirk's death for political gain, leading to outrage from conservative leaders [8][9]. - Sinclair, which owns numerous ABC affiliates, stated that Kimmel's show would not return until he personally apologizes to Kirk's widow and donates to the family and Turning Point USA [8]. - FCC Chairman Brendan Carr publicly pressured ABC to take action, warning that local affiliates could face regulatory scrutiny if the show continued to air [9][12]. Group 3: Kimmel's Response and Industry Impact - Kimmel reportedly expressed extreme frustration over the suspension and is exploring legal options to break from ABC [15]. - Former President Trump praised ABC's decision, calling it "Great News for America" and criticizing Kimmel as talentless [15][16].