Disney suffers concerning loss after massive boycott | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

Last month, Disney (DIS) found itself in hot water after it made the drastic decision to temporarily suspend late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from ABC amid political controversy.

Disney’s decision came after comedian Jimmy Kimmel made jokes on the show relating to President Donald Trump’s reaction to the death of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on Sept. 10.

This move had a huge domino effect. While the cancellation earned praise from the president and his supporters, it sparked backlash from consumers who claimed that canceling the show over Kimmel’s remarks amounted to censorship.

Soon after, a massive boycott erupted, with many consumers threatening to pull the plug on their Disney vacations and Disney-owned streaming services.

Amid growing outrage, Disney later announced that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would return to ABC on Sept. 23.

“We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday [Sept. 23],” said Disney in a statement.

While some consumers applauded the show’s return, President Trump’s supporters threatened their own Disney boycott due to the company caving to backlash.

To make matters worse, Disney announced price increases for several Disney+ plans (which went into effect on Oct. 21) amid the controversy, further angering consumers.

Photo by Randy Holmes on Getty Images

Disney’s streaming platforms face higher cancellations

Now, it appears that Disney may be facing the consequences of its actions last month.

Data from research firm Antenna found that during September, the number of U.S. consumers who canceled their Disney+ subscriptions averaged 8%, which is double the 4% estimate for the prior two months, according to a recent report from Variety.

Also, Hulu’s average cancellation rate last month was 10%, twice the 5% rate for the previous two months.

While the increase in Disney+ and Hulu cancellations could be due to subscribers upgrading or downgrading their streaming plans, price increases could also have scared away many subscribers.

A recent survey from digital security firm All About Cookies found that 44% of Americans have canceled a streaming service due to price increases.

“Price is certainly one of the most important factors when people choose streaming subscriptions,” said Yu Cai, a professor of cybersecurity at Michigan Tech, in the survey.

The recent Disney boycott threats could also have played a significant role in heightened cancellations, since more consumers nationwide are boycotting businesses that don’t align with their values and beliefs.

According to a recent LendingTree survey, 31% of Americans have boycotted a business for reasons such as the company’s condoning of discrimination, or its political donations, affiliations, or religious messaging/practices.

Any company that attempts to downplay the importance of politics in their customers’ shopping choices does so at its own peril. Your potential customers are listening closely to what your business says, whether you like it or not.

LendingTree Chief Consumer Finance Analyst Matt Schulz

Despite increased cancellations, new subscriber sign-ups for Disney+ and Hulu spiked in September. Disney+ managed to add 2.18 million new subscribers, compared to the 1.99 million it added in August. Hulu also gained 2.11 million, higher than the 1.97 million it added the month before.

Disney has a plan to attract more streaming subscribers

As Disney+ and Hulu face a major shift in customer behavior, Disney plans to combine both apps to attract more subscribers. The Hulu app will soon disappear as it becomes fully integrated into the Disney+ platform.

During an earnings call in August, Disney CEO Bob Iger said the company will add new features, such as a “more personalized homepage,” to the Disney+ app over the next few months.

More Telecom News:

The unified Disney+ and Hulu streaming app will be available to consumers in 2026.

“By creating a differentiated streaming offering, we will be providing subscribers tremendous choice, convenience, quality, and enhanced personalization, while at the same time continuing to grow profitability and margins in our entertainment streaming business through expected higher engagement, lower churn, operational efficiencies, and greater advertising revenue potential,” said Iger.