Disney has taken a heavy financial hit after suspending Jimmy Kimmel from his late-night show. The entertainment giant reportedly lost nearly $3.8 billion in market value within a single day. The fallout followed ABC’s decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its schedule after his remarks on the Charlie Kirk assassination.
The backlash was immediate. Online calls for a boycott of Disney products and services spread quickly. Social media campaigns encouraged users to cancel Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN subscriptions. The company is now under growing public and political pressure.
Disney’s $3.8 Billion Loss Explained
Reports suggest that Disney’s market value dropped by $3.87 billion overnight. While the company has not released an official statement on the exact figure, several financial outlets confirmed the fall in stock prices. According to Reuters, analysts noted the sharp decline in investor confidence after the controversy.
ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel sparked a national debate. Supporters argued it was an attack on free speech. Critics claimed the network bowed to political forces. Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcasting, which control dozens of ABC affiliates, refused to air Kimmel’s show. This move alone affected nearly one-quarter of ABC’s national reach.
The scale of affiliate resistance put Disney in a difficult spot. Major advertisers also began reviewing campaigns tied to late-night programming. The stock market reacted quickly, reflecting uncertainty over Disney’s media future.
Why the Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Matters
Jimmy Kimmel has hosted late-night television since 2003. He is also one of ABC’s most visible hosts, having led the Academy Awards and other high-profile events. His contract with ABC expires next year, but talks about renewal are now uncertain.
The suspension came after pressure from political groups and major broadcast owners. Nexstar, which is pursuing a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, publicly opposed Kimmel. The company claimed his comments on the Charlie Kirk case crossed a line. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr also issued warnings, though the agency does not hold direct authority in such cases.
Public figures rushed to defend Kimmel. Former U.S. President Barack Obama voiced support. Fellow late-night hosts Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and Jon Stewart also stood by him. Despite the solidarity, Disney faces the risk of losing long-term viewer trust.
The Broader Impact on Disney
The Disney boycott may hurt more than stock value. Many fans have vowed to skip upcoming movie releases, including Zootopia 2 and Avatar 3. Actors such as Tatiana Maslany and Misha Collins urged fans to cancel subscriptions. Wil Wheaton even called for a nationwide “day of cancellations.”
This situation could also spread to other shows. ABC’s The View has already been named as a potential next target. Analysts warn that more political pressure could lead to wider programming disruptions. Disney’s brand, known for family entertainment, is now caught in a deep cultural battle.
Disney’s $3.8 billion loss since Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension highlights the high stakes of politics in entertainment. The company now faces not only a financial challenge but also a reputational test that could shape its future.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Q1: How much has Disney lost since Jimmy Kimmel was suspended?
Disney reportedly lost around $3.87 billion in market value in one day after the suspension.
Q2: Why was Jimmy Kimmel suspended?
Kimmel was suspended by ABC after making remarks about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Q3: Did people boycott Disney after the suspension?
Yes. Hashtags like #BoycottDisney trended as users canceled subscriptions and pledged to avoid new Disney films.
Q4: Which shows or platforms were affected by the boycott?
Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, and ABC were the main targets of subscription cancellations and public backlash.
Q5: Who supported Jimmy Kimmel during the controversy?
Support came from Barack Obama, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, and several Hollywood actors.
References
Reuters. (2025, September 20). Disney shares drop after Jimmy Kimmel suspension sparks boycott.
Associated Press. (2025, September 20). Disney faces backlash and subscription cancellations following Jimmy Kimmel controversy.
BBC News. (2025, September 21). Disney market value falls as boycott trends over Jimmy Kimmel suspension.
The Guardian. (2025, September 21). Jimmy Kimmel suspension triggers political storm and financial hit for Disney.
Variety. (2025, September 20). ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel suspension fuels online boycott calls and affiliate pushback.
The Hollywood Reporter. (2025, September 20). Disney stock hit and affiliate fallout deepen crisis after Jimmy Kimmel remarks.
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