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A significant wave of customer cancellations is reportedly hitting Disney+ and Hulu, following ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Subscribers attempting to sever ties with the streaming platforms are encountering technical difficulties, with numerous reports indicating that the Disney+ cancellation page is experiencing repeated crashes due to overwhelming traffic. This widespread exodus stems directly from a controversial incident involving the late-night host.
The Controversy Ignites: Kimmel’s Suspension
The catalyst for this subscriber unrest was the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! by ABC on September 17. The decision came after Kimmel’s on-air comments regarding the tragic killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. During his monologue, Kimmel alluded to efforts by Trump supporters to reinterpret the shooter’s political affiliations, a stance that quickly drew sharp criticism from the FCC and several major ABC affiliates. In the immediate aftermath, ABC opted to air reruns of the program, a move that critics swiftly labeled as censorship and which subsequently fueled a robust boycott campaign targeting Disney, the parent company of ABC, Disney+, and Hulu.
Public Outcry and Trending Boycotts
The suspension provoked an immediate and powerful backlash across various platforms. Social media channels became a hub for public indignation, with hashtags such as #CancelDisneyPlus and #CancelHulu rapidly trending. Users flooded feeds with screenshots confirming their canceled subscriptions, signaling a unified protest against the media giant. The controversy extended beyond individual subscribers, drawing in lawmakers, labor unions, and advocacy groups who collectively condemned ABC’s action. Many framed the decision not as a standard programming adjustment, but rather as a direct assault on the fundamental principle of free expression.
Cancellation Page Crashes Amid High Demand
As the volume of cancellations surged, a new problem emerged: widespread technical issues reported by subscribers. Numerous users attempting to unsubscribe from Disney+ and Hulu encountered persistent difficulties. On Reddit, a widely shared post on the r/Fauxmoi subreddit highlighted the frustration, stating, “The page to cancel your Hulu/Disney+ subscription keeps crashing.” Other anecdotal reports detailed problems like endless login loops and unresponsive cancellation forms. These firsthand accounts paint a clear picture of Disney’s online infrastructure struggling to handle an unprecedented surge in traffic, underscoring the scale of the subscriber backlash.
Affiliate Pressure and Broadcast Shifts
The fallout from Kimmel’s suspension extended beyond direct subscriber actions, significantly impacting ABC’s affiliate network. Major affiliate owners quickly exerted their influence. Sinclair, for instance, publicly announced its intention to broadcast a tribute special for Charlie Kirk in Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s scheduled slot and issued a demand for a formal apology from ABC. Similarly, Nexstar explicitly refused to air any new episodes of the suspended show. This ripple effect meant that numerous local stations opted to replace the reruns with their own local news segments or alternative programming, further amplifying the controversy and demonstrating the broad industry implications of ABC’s decision.
Understanding the Boycott’s Core Motivation
For a substantial segment of the audience, the decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel transcended a mere programming dispute; it became a symbol of a deeper, more troubling issue. Critics are vehemently arguing that Disney and ABC capitulated to political pressures, thereby undermining the fundamental principle of free speech. The sentiment was powerfully encapsulated by a Reddit user who declared, “If they don’t apologize to high heavens to him, we all need to continue to boycott all Disney & ABC services, including Hulu.” Such widely shared opinions underscore the profound frustration that is actively driving the ongoing wave of Disney+ and Hulu cancellations.
Navigating the Cancellation Process: Tips for Subscribers
For subscribers determined to cancel their services amidst the technical difficulties, several troubleshooting steps may prove useful. It’s recommended to try clearing your browser’s cookies, switching to an alternative web browser, or utilizing Disney’s live chat support feature to confirm your cancellation request if the online process stalls. Crucially, always capture screenshots of your cancellation attempts and meticulously monitor your billing cycles to ensure the change has been correctly processed and applied.
Disney’s Balancing Act: Reputation, Politics, and Subscribers
Disney now faces a multifaceted and formidable challenge. The entertainment giant must carefully navigate the complex demands from its affiliates, intense political scrutiny, and the critical need to preserve customer trust. The visible surge in streaming service churn serves as undeniable public evidence of significant consumer backlash, placing immense pressure on Disney’s leadership.
The Enduring Impact: A Flashpoint for Disney’s Future
What initially seemed to be a controversial late-night monologue has rapidly escalated into a profound company-wide crisis for Disney. The corporation is grappling with a triple threat: a rising tide of Disney+ and Hulu cancellations, significant technical strain on its online infrastructure, and severe reputational damage intertwined with critical questions of censorship and free speech. As one disheartened Reddit user articulated, “I also cancelled my Disney+ today after deciding there is no way for me to return.” The path Disney chooses—whether to reinstate Jimmy Kimmel or steadfastly maintain its current position—will not only define its brand identity but will critically shape the size and loyalty of its subscriber base for years to come.