Disney Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel Amid Subscriber Boycott

Jimmy Kimmel was reinstated to his late-night ABC show after being suspended over controversial remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's assassination. The suspension sparked widespread backlash, including a boycott movement against Disney and its platforms like Disney+ and Hulu, causing significant financial losses and subscriber cancellations for the company. The boycott was supported by Hollywood guilds, free speech advocates, and political figures who criticized Disney for caving to perceived pressure from the Trump administration. Disney justified Kimmel's return as the result of "thoughtful conversations" but faced criticism for appearing to prioritize financial considerations over principles. Media coverage, especially from CNN, hailed Kimmel's return as a critical moment for free speech, with some commentators comparing it to a historic cultural event. However, some observers argued that the entire episode reflected poorly on Disney, alienating both conservatives and liberals and highlighting the challenges companies face in balancing free speech with public relations and shareholder interests.