The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show after FCC threats sparked a rare bipartisan backlash against Disney, with protests and calls for canceling subscriptions to Disney+ and Hulu. Americans value free speech and don’t want the government pressuring companies to police it.
In contrast to common controversies involving companies, the suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC following threats by the FCC showed corporate America that messing with free speech is a line that cannot be crossed. Experts say this is a valuable lesson for businesses, as it highlights the importance of aligning themselves with human values and speaking to the center rather than trying to appease both sides.
The backlash was bipartisan, with conservatives like Sen. Ted Cruz, Joe Rogan, Candace Owens, and Ben Shapiro criticizing Disney’s decision. Hundreds of people protested, and search volume for “cancel Disney Plus” and “cancel Hulu” spiked. The pressure from Trump and FCC Chair Brendan Carr was a unifying factor in the criticism.
However, some experts caution that this glasnost could be short-lived, as conservatives who were critical of Disney did so based on longstanding grievances rather than free speech concerns. Nevertheless, the public’s response shows its desire to defend free speech against government interference – and companies should take note.
Ultimately, it is up to individuals and businesses to stand by principles of freedom of speech. As Theda Skocpol, a Harvard professor, noted, “ABC backed off because there was beginning to be a groundswell.” This incident serves as a reminder that defending free speech requires collective action and vigilance from both the government and private companies.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/jimmy-kimmel-fcc-free-speech-culture-wars-2025-9