In a striking act of solidarity, American radio behemoth Howard Stern has publicly terminated his Disney+ subscription, directly linking the decision to ABC's suspension of fellow talk show host Jimmy Kimmel.
The controversy stems from Kimmel's recent admission about a 1990s sketch on 'The Man Show' where he used blackface to impersonate NBA star Karl Malone. While Kimmel has since apologised, calling the act "insensitive," the network's decision to place him on a temporary hiatus has ignited a firestorm.
A Principle Stand
Stern, known for his unfiltered commentary, did not mince words during his SiriusXM show. He framed his cancellation as a principled protest against what he perceives as corporate hypocrisy and an unfair punishment of Kimmel for a decades-old mistake made in a different comedic era.
"I'm not going to support a company that would throw a good man like Jimmy under the bus," Stern declared, emphasising his personal friendship with Kimmel and his belief that the comedian is not racist.
The Ripple Effect of a Scandal
This move amplifies the ongoing debate surrounding accountability for past offensive content. The incident has forced networks and entertainers to grapple with material that, while potentially acceptable in its original broadcast context, is viewed as deeply problematic through a modern lens.
Stern's very public cancellation signals that the repercussions extend beyond internal network decisions, potentially impacting subscriber numbers and shareholder sentiment for parent company Disney.
As the industry watches closely, the question remains whether Stern's stand will inspire similar actions from other high-profile figures or if it will remain a singular protest from one of radio's most influential voices.
