'She-Hulk' Star Tatiana Maslany Leads Call for Disney Boycott Following Jimmy Kimmel Suspension

Tatiana Maslany, best known for her leading role in “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” has publicly urged fans to boycott Disney following the high-profile suspension of late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel by ABC, a Disney-owned network. Maslany, an Emmy Award-winning actor and outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation, made the call via her Instagram account, encouraging her 511,000 followers to cancel their Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN subscriptions in protest of what she describes as a troubling move against free speech in entertainment media .

The controversy began when ABC announced the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” a decision that quickly drew backlash from across the entertainment and political spectrum. High-profile figures including former President Barack Obama, actors Jean Smart and Josh Gad, and director Ben Stiller have criticized Disney’s handling of the situation, raising questions about the boundaries of creative expression and the corporate influence over public discourse .

Maslany added her voice to the growing chorus of concern, sharing a behind-the-scenes photo from the She-Hulk set and imploring fans to “Stand up for free speech” and “Cancel your Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN subscriptions.” In her message, she emphasized the need for solidarity within creative communities and among audiences who value inclusive storytelling.

Maslany’s call for a boycott resonates strongly within LGBTQ+ communities, where concerns about media representation and corporate accountability are ongoing. Disney has faced both praise and criticism in recent years for its LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts, with many advocates pushing for greater authenticity and protection for queer talent, both on-screen and behind the scenes. The suspension of Kimmel—a comedian known for addressing social justice issues, including LGBTQ+ rights—has been seen by some as a setback for progressive voices in mainstream media .

LGBTQ+ media watchdog organizations have echoed Maslany’s concerns, emphasizing that corporate decisions impacting high-profile figures like Kimmel can have a chilling effect on advocacy and authentic representation. The call to boycott is viewed not only as a protest against a single suspension but as a broader demand for media conglomerates to uphold commitments to free expression and diversity.

The response to Maslany’s boycott call has been swift and polarized. Some industry insiders have questioned whether mass subscription cancellations will impact a company as large as Disney, while others argue that visible solidarity from celebrities and audiences can pressure corporations to reconsider controversial decisions. Media analysts note that such boycotts, particularly when led by prominent queer and ally voices, can spotlight issues often overlooked in the mainstream conversation .

Maslany, who has previously spoken out about the need for studios to better protect actors—especially those from marginalized backgrounds—from online harassment, appears to be extending her advocacy to include corporate accountability over content decisions. Her involvement in the boycott may also affect her future with Marvel Studios, as rumors swirl about her potential participation in upcoming Avengers projects .

This incident comes at a time when the entertainment industry is grappling with complex questions about the limits of speech, the power of major media conglomerates, and the importance of ensuring inclusive and authentic LGBTQ+ representation. While Disney has made notable strides in increasing queer visibility in its programming, critics argue that genuine progress requires a willingness to defend talent—especially those who speak out on behalf of marginalized communities—when their voices are threatened.

Advocates stress that calls for boycotts, while controversial, are often necessary to spark dialogue and demand accountability from influential companies. The stakes are especially high for LGBTQ+ audiences, who continue to look to media for affirming stories and visible role models.

As the fallout from the Kimmel suspension continues, all eyes remain on Disney’s next move, as well as the ongoing response from Maslany, fellow celebrities, and grassroots activists. The situation underscores the persistent tension between corporate interests and the creative freedom essential to vibrant, inclusive storytelling.