For decades, Disney was the rare American brand that managed to transcend politics and maintain high favorability. Families from both sides of the aisle flocked to its parks, its films, and its streaming service without a second thought. But that era appears to be over.
A new analysis from Jefferies, based on Morning Consult polling, shows that Disney’s favorability has collapsed among both Democrats and Republicans, marking one of the sharpest declines in the company’s modern history. The catalyst? The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after false and inflammatory remarks made by Kimmel in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder.
The Fallout from Kimmel’s Misinformation
The controversy began on September 17, 2025, when Disney’s ABC network suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! after affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair refused to air the show. Kimmel had made what many main stream media outlets are describing as “insensitive” comments. However, in truth, it was blatant misinformation about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Jimmy Kimmel on Colbert – YouTube, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
The remarks spread rapidly across social media, drawing outrage from both conservatives and progressives for very different reasons. On the right, critics accused Kimmel of using his platform to spread false narratives during a moment of national grief. On the left, activists blasted Disney for what they saw as corporate censorship, claiming the company bowed to pressure from political forces close to President Trump’s administration.
In a single week, Disney managed to alienate both sides of the aisle—and it shows in the numbers.
Polling Paints a Grim Picture
According to the Jefferies report, Democrat sentiment toward Disney has fallen to its lowest point in two years, while Republican sentiment has dropped to its worst level since March 2025.
Spaceship Earth in Walt Disney World at night – Photo Credit: That Park Place
Jefferies analyst James Heaney described the episode as a “PR hit” that goes far beyond one late-night host. The firm’s data shows Disney’s reputation fell sharply across multiple divisions—including ABC, Hulu, and Disney+—as the controversy spilled over from traditional television into streaming and online discourse.
TheWrap’s coverage cites additional data suggesting that over 1.7 million subscribers canceled between September 17th and 23rd, spanning Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
The logo for Disney+ – YouTube, Disney+
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Still. that’s a serious dent in momentum just as the company prepares for a price hike on October 21st, which could drive even more cancellations.
Both Sides Turn on the Mouse
This backlash has left Disney in a no-win position. Democrats are furious that Disney suspended Kimmel, arguing the company caved to political intimidation and compromised free expression, while Republicans see Disney’s delayed response as proof of ideological bias—a corporation that only acted after being publicly embarrassed.
Bob Iger via CNBC Television YouTube
Once the embodiment of American neutrality, Disney has now become the rare brand that unites left and right—just not in the way it wanted.
Even more concerning for the company is that this sentiment isn’t just temporary anger. According to Jefferies, both parties’ Disney favorability scores are trending downward, suggesting deep distrust has set in.
Stock and Shareholder Repercussions
Disney’s stock has fallen roughly 4% over the past month, coinciding directly with the Kimmel scandal. Investors are increasingly nervous that the brand’s political controversies—from Florida to Hollywood to late-night television—are beginning to erode long-term value.
Bob Iger via New York Times Events YouTube
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Multiple outlets have reported that shareholders are pressing the company for transparency regarding the decision to suspend Kimmel, questioning whether internal politics influenced the timing and communication strategy.
A History of Political Trouble
This is far from the first time Disney has found itself on the wrong side of America’s culture war.
In 2022, the company’s high-profile feud with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over the Parental Rights in Education Act drew a sharp partisan divide. Republicans accused Disney of overstepping into politics, while Democrats applauded its corporate activism.
Aisha and Kiko, the two moms in Lightyear – Disney+
By mid-2024, Disney had only begun to recover its reputation among conservatives, according to polling, but those gains now appear completely erased. The Kimmel controversy has effectively reset the clock—perhaps even worse than before.
The Brand That Lost the Middle
What made Disney special was its universality. Parents could take their kids to the parks without worrying about politics. Families could stream The Lion King or The Mandalorian and escape the chaos of the real world for a while.
Empty Main Street USA and Cinderella Castle hub on Labor Day 2025 Magic Kingdom Disney World – Photo Credit: That Park Place
Now, Disney finds itself at the center of nearly every cultural storm, and this latest one may be the most damaging yet. As Jefferies noted, Disney’s “brand awareness” remains extremely high—but awareness doesn’t equal affection.
For now, it seems America still knows Disney. It just doesn’t like Disney.
Conclusion
The House of Mouse has been called many things over the years—beloved, iconic, even untouchable. But in 2025, it’s also something new: polarizing.
Both sides of the political spectrum have found reason to distrust or resent the company, and the data makes it clear—Disney is no longer the magical middle ground of American entertainment.
The Rivers of America drained Walt Disney World in the Magic Kingdom – Photo Credit: Ron E. Bradley
If Disney can’t find a way to rebuild that trust, no amount of fireworks over Cinderella Castle will make the resentment disappear.
Are you surprised that Disney has lost favorability with both the left and right? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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