YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Hashtags “Cancel Hulu” and “Cancel Disney Plus” are trending on Google. Why, you ask? The answer is less sophisticated than you might think. Here are more details on the public sh*tstorm Musk caused and what implications it might have.
Elon Musk Can’t Really Cancel Disney Plus, But He Can Try
Did you know? On Nov. 30, Elon Musk, the tech mogul known for his often controversial remarks, became the center of attention with a blunt statement directed at advertisers withdrawing from his social media platform X over antisemitic content issues.
Musk told these advertisers, specifically the CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger, to “go f*** yourself,” a comment that illustrated his frustration with perceived attempts to manipulate or coerce him using advertising revenue.
This harsh response specifically targeted companies that had suspended their advertising on the platform due to concerns about unchecked antisemitism. Musk’s forthright approach implied that he viewed the boycott as a potential threat to his company’s survival but also suggested that the responsibility for any negative fallout would be clear.
How Can “Cancel Hulu” Help Musk?
The controversy involving Musk and his platform escalated when Disney and Hulu became entangled. The “Cancel Disney” and “Cancel Hulu” trends emerged on social media following Musk’s altercation with Disney CEO Bob Iger.
This dispute reportedly stemmed from advertising disagreements on Musk’s platform, where Musk accused Iger of blackmail. While the details of the alleged blackmail remain vague, Musk’s accusations hint at Disney attempting to force him into a business deal by threatening negative repercussions for his other ventures.
NOT Everybody Agrees
The online community’s reaction to these developments was polarized. Musk’s supporters perceived his response as justified, considering his reputation for not backing down from confrontations with authority figures.
Critics, however, criticized Musk’s use of explicit language and public denouncement as unprofessional, potentially undermining his credibility. This controversy placed Disney and Hulu in a difficult situation, with their involvement in any scandal, especially one linked to accusations of unethical behavior, carrying potentially significant consequences in the entertainment industry.
The “Cancel Disney” and “Cancel Hulu” hashtags suggested that some consumers were contemplating boycotting Disney and Hulu in response to the alleged blackmail. However, the real impact of these movements was uncertain.
“Cancel Disney Plus” Had Little to Do With Musk
Concurrently, the “Cancel Disney Plus” trend emerged due to a separate incident. Disney+ announced a substantial price hike for its streaming service, significantly increasing “Cancel Disney Plus” searches and widespread backlash on social media.
The ad-free version of Disney Plus increased from $10.99 to $13.99 per month, a 27% rise. Moreover, the ad-free version of Hulu, also owned by Disney, was set to go up to $17.99 per month from its previous $14.99.
This price change was part of Disney’s new pricing strategy, shifting from its original goal of attracting a broad user base to a more sustainable model. This price increase and Disney+’s plans to crack down on password sharing contributed to the negative reactions and the “Cancel Disney Plus” trend, alongside “Cancel Hulu.”
