Disney may have suffered a major blow to its streaming business following the sudden removal of Jimmy Kimmel from ABC’s late-night lineup. According to a recent report, the company lost an estimated 1.7 million subscribers across its streaming platforms in just a few days—allegedly as a direct reaction to the controversial decision.

The backlash began after Kimmel was taken off the air due to a monologue that sparked political controversy. While Disney did not confirm the exact reason behind the suspension, speculation quickly spread, and within days, social media campaigns urging users to cancel their Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ subscriptions gained significant traction.

The reported loss of 1.7 million subscribers occurred between September 17 and September 23, a period during which Disney was also preparing to roll out a price hike for its streaming services. The timing likely intensified customer frustration and may have influenced Disney’s decision to reverse course. By the end of the week, Kimmel was reinstated, though not without lingering tensions—some local ABC affiliates initially refused to air his return episode.

The incident highlights the increasingly reactive nature of the streaming market, where public perception and political discourse can have immediate financial consequences. For Disney, the combination of reputational risk and a potential revenue hit appears to have forced a rare corporate U-turn.

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