Disney+ has confirmed that the documentary 'Howard' will not be removed from the streaming service, following a backlash over its planned removal. The film, about lyricist Howard Ashman who was gay, was initially included in a list of titles being taken off the platform on May 26.
A Disney spokesperson said the list of titles leaving Hulu and Disney+ is still being finalised, indicating further changes could occur. The company faced criticism for removing 'Howard' just days before the live-action release of 'The Little Mermaid', for which Ashman co-wrote songs, and ahead of LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
The removals are part of a cost-cutting measure announced during Disney’s earnings call on May 10, with a content impairment charge of $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion. Nearly 60 affected titles include short-lived original series, direct-to-streaming films and specials.
Other LGBTQ+-themed content on the removal list, such as the series 'Willow', also drew criticism. Social media users accused Disney of bowing to anti-LGBTQ+ pressure, particularly in light of the company’s ongoing dispute with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Disney’s chief financial officer Christine McCarthy stated that the company is reviewing content on its direct-to-consumer services to align with strategic changes in content curation. The decision to initially pull 'Howard' was met with outrage from fans and advocates, with many calling for the documentary to remain permanently available.
