Stars Boycott Disney Premiere in Free Speech Protest

Source: Daily Beast

Updated Sep. 22 2025 6:31AM EDT
Published Sep. 22 2025 12:57AM EDT


Musicians including Sarah McLachlan and Jewel pulled out of performing at the launch of a new Disney documentary as the fallout spreads from the entertainment giant’s role in the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show.

McLachlan issued a passionate statement in support of free speech as she spoke to the audience to explain her move at the premiere of Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery on Sunday night. Disney owns the documentary’s distributor, ABC News Studios, as well as the wider ABC network that used to air Jimmy Kimmel Live!

The documentary focuses on the pioneering music festival that McLachlan founded in the late 1990s to champion female solo artists and female-led bands. It launched on Hulu and Disney+ on Sunday. A red carpet for Sunday’s premiere was mysteriously axed on Saturday night, according to Variety, with journalists receiving an email just hours before it was due to begin: “Please note this event will no longer be hosting a red carpet.”

McLachlan, Jewel, and director Ally Pankiw were all due to walk the carpet and talk to the media. There was no reason given for the cancellation. The Hollywood Reporter said the event eventually did hold a separate red carpet, without any members of the media invited. A source familiar with the situation told the Daily Beast that attendees were then informed that a scheduled performance would also no longer take place. Attendees were told, “While the previously scheduled musical performance will not take place, we invite you to stay for a reception following the screening to celebrate the documentary.”

Read more: https://www.thedailybeast.com/stars-cancel-performance-at-disney-lilith-fair-premiere-in-call-for-free-speech/