Disney+ crashes as subscriptions surge following Kimmel's suspension

In the United States, a wave of backlash erupted following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live from ABC programming. The show was removed from broadcast by ABC affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair due to Kimmel's controversial remarks regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. His comments prompted a call for boycotts against Disney and its streaming platforms, including Disney+ and Hulu, aimed at punishing the company for what many perceived as capitulation to political pressures from the Trump administration and major local television networks. The political ramifications of Kimmel's statements and the subsequent backlash underscored divisions in American society, with Kimmel being criticized for labeling the assassin as part of the 'MAGA gang.' As the news spread, social media platforms became inundated with calls for a boycott, leading numerous users to attempt to cancel their Disney+ subscriptions. This sudden influx of cancellations reportedly caused the Disney+ cancellation portal to crash, showcasing the immediate impact of the public's anger. Reports highlighted that users faced difficulties using the cancellation site as it returned error messages during peak traffic. By the end of the week, users were still trying to access the service, with some sharing their experiences of successfully canceling subscriptions. Additionally, notable figures like Cynthia Nixon and Rosie O'Donnell joined the conversation online, urging their followers to support the boycott, while ABC and Disney maintained a low profile and did not respond directly to the calls for action against them. Amidst this incident, Disney's stock value also saw a drop, further indicating the economic implications of the backlash. The situation illustrates how media figures can significantly influence public sentiment and provoke strong reactions from viewers and subscribers alike, particularly regarding political commentary and corporate decisions.