Musicians Sarah McLachlan and Jewel cancelled a planned performance at the premiere of a new Disney-distributed documentary Sunday, escalating a celebrity boycott over the company’s suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, per thedailybeast.com.
The protest occurred at the Los Angeles launch of “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery,” a film chronicling the iconic music festival McLachlan founded. The event’s red carpet was also abruptly cancelled hours before it began. Disney owns the film’s distributor, ABC News Studios, and the ABC network that pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! last week.
Addressing the audience, McLachlan explained their decision. “We have collectively decided not to perform but instead to stand in solidarity in support of free speech,” she stated, citing the “insidious erosion” of rights. The move is the first major talent-led consequence for Disney amid the growing controversy.
The artists join a chorus of Hollywood figures protesting Disney’s actions, which followed conservative backlash to comments Kimmel made. Stars including Cynthia Nixon, Marisa Tomei, and creator Damon Lindelof have publicly called for boycotts of Disney’s streaming services and productions. They are urging the media giant to reinstate Kimmel, framing the issue as a critical defense of the First Amendment.
•Featured image by Mathew Tsang/Getty Images
