It seems the happiest place on Earth might be facing some unhappy customers. Recent reports suggest Disney’s streaming services, Disney Plus and Hulu, experienced a monumental surge in cancellation attempts that left their systems struggling. It’s almost like the internet itself threw a tantrum, trapping users in endless login loops when all they wanted was to hit ‘unsubscribe’.
So, what set off this digital stampede? The trigger appears to be ABC’s decision to suspend *Jimmy Kimmel Live* on September 17th. Kimmel had made comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The public reaction was swift and fierce, with many seeing the suspension as a blow against free speech rather than a simple programming decision. Social media quickly lit up with hashtags like #cancelDisney and #cancelHulu, showing a widespread sentiment against the company’s move.
And then came the website woes. People trying to cancel their subscriptions reported bizarre technical glitches. Imagine wanting to end a service, clicking the button, and then… nothing. Or worse, getting stuck in an infinite login loop, unable to access the cancellation page at all. It wasn’t just a few isolated incidents. The volume of users attempting to quit was so high that Disney’s systems reportedly buckled under the pressure. It suggests a massive, coordinated effort by consumers to voice their displeasure, overwhelming the very infrastructure designed to handle their accounts.
The financial fallout was quick and considerable. Disney reportedly lost nearly $4 billion in just three days. This isn’t small change; it’s a staggering figure, a combination of plummeting stock prices and the sheer volume of subscription cancellations. For a company that relies heavily on its brand image and subscriber base, this kind of hit sends a clear message. The stock, which was at a high in March 2021, is now down a shocking 53% from that peak, indicating deeper issues than just a few bad days.
Adding another layer to this saga, Josh Gad, the beloved voice behind Olaf in *Frozen*, spoke out. He didn’t mince words, publicly criticizing Disney’s actions regarding Kimmel. He tweeted directly, saying, “Hey Disney, that guy on the right has done more for your company than most entertainers. You have a clear choice right now, and it’s not the one you’re making.” This isn’t just a celebrity opining; it’s a significant risk. Gad is a prominent figure within Disney’s ecosystem, and speaking out against his employer could easily lead to professional repercussions. His courage in putting his career on the line for his beliefs resonated with many, amplifying the public’s stance against the company.
This whole situation highlights a growing trend: consumers are becoming more vocal and more organized in how they express their values. When a company is perceived to be acting against those values, especially on matters of free speech or corporate responsibility, the response can be immediate and severe. It’s not just about losing a few subscribers; it’s about a potential erosion of trust and brand loyalty that billions of dollars can’t easily buy back. Whether this will lead to a change in corporate policy or simply be a costly lesson remains to be seen.
