Mad at Disney TikTok parody expresses anger at Kimmels suspension
While everyone is mad at Disney right now, the company's OG hater has now chimed in as well. Salem Ilese has posted a parody of her viral TikTok hit "Mad at Disney" to protest Jimmy Kimmel being pulled off air, rewriting the lyrics to advocate for free speech.
"I am still mad at Disney, and for a different reason this time," Ilese said in a TikTok video posted Monday.
Ilese's original 2020 song was about being disillusioned by the reality of romantic relationships after Disney films elevated her expectations in childhood. In a new TikTok video, the singer has rewritten the first chorus and prechorus of "Mad at Disney" to address Kimmel's situation.
"I'm mad at Disney, Disney / They cancelled Jimmy / All for exercising his free speech / Fox News can say whatever / To make Trump look better / But one strike and Kimmel's off TV," Ilese sang in the 30-second video. "First Colbert had to call it quits / Guess talking 'bout politics / Is only okay if Trump is flattered."
Disney subsidiary ABC removed Jimmy Kimmel Live! from broadcast last Wednesday amidst threats from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), sparking widespread concerns about free speech. The Trump administration took umbrage at Kimmel's comments on right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk's death, with FCC chairman Brendan Carr demanding ABC "take action" against the late night host or risk its broadcast license.
Numerous people spoke out against Kimmel's suspension, including his fellow late night hosts and celebrities. Some Disney+ and Hulu users even cancelled their subscriptions in support of Kimmel, and to protest against censorship. Even with Kimmel returning to air on Tuesday, it seems few are willing to forgive or forget that he was removed in the first place.
Ilese is apparently one of many people still mad at Disney about Kimmel's suspension. The singer posted a second "Mad at Disney" parody hours before the late show host's return, accusing Disney for only allowing him to return to air after people began cancelling their streaming subscriptions and affecting the company's bottom line.
"I'm mad at Disney, Disney / They brought back Jimmy / Only 'cause they couldn't take the heat / It took an open letter / And upset investors / To stand up against the FCC," sang Ilese. "But we posted and unsubscribed / And showed them that we decide / We'll stay impossible to silence."
"kissing my dream of being cast as rapunzel goodbye after this one," wrote Ilese.
