Social media experienced a rise in calls to boycott Disney following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel by ABC, a subsidiary of Disney, on September 17. Recent insights shed light on the possible repercussions for Disney. Reportedly, over 1.7 million Disney streaming subscriptions were canceled within a week of the announcement of Kimmel’s suspension, according to sources referenced by independent journalist Marisa Kabas on her site, The Handbasket. This number encompasses cancellations from Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN. If true, Disney forfeited more than 242,800 subscribers each day during this timeframe, representing a 436 percent surge in cancellations compared to its normal weekly churn. During Kimmel’s suspension, Disney’s stock fell approximately three percent, wiping out around $6.4 billion from its market value. Although Disney is predicted to rebound, this drop conveys a strong message to the organization.

Kimmel made his return to the air last Tuesday, jokingly mentioning that Disney had requested he help viewers with reactivating their Disney+ and Hulu accounts. However, his comeback has not entirely satisfied Disney’s detractors, as concerns regarding free speech continue to linger. Kimmel was removed by ABC after FCC chairman Brendan Carr threatened the network’s broadcasting license and called for action against the host. Public backlash against Disney intensified when the company declared a price increase for Disney+, effective October 21, shortly after confirming Kimmel’s return. Kabas notes that Disney hastened the resolution of Kimmel’s suspension due to the upcoming price increase, expecting it to be unwelcome news for subscribers.