Red Carpet Event Scrapped Last Minute

In a surprising turn of events, ABC News Studios has abruptly canceled the red carpet for the much-anticipated premiere of its documentary, "Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery – The Untold Story," scheduled for Sunday in Los Angeles. An email to the press stated, "Please note this event will no longer be hosting a red carpet. We appreciate your willingness to attend and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause." This announcement came just a day after confirmation emails were sent to attendees, including performances from music icons like Sarah McLachlan, Jewel, and Mýa.

Kimmel's Suspension Sparks Backlash

No specific reasons were provided for this sudden cancellation, but it coincides with the ongoing controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's indefinite suspension by Disney. The move has been attributed to pressure from the FCC and backlash from right-wing media following Kimmel's comments regarding former President Trump and a conservative activist's tragic death.

Star Power Still Shines at the Premiere

Despite the red carpet's demise, the main event is still set to unfold at the Ford Theatre in Hollywood, featuring the documentary screening along with surprise performances at 6 p.m. However, a representative from ABC News Studios declined to comment on the situation.

Celebrity Support for Kimmel Grows

The fallout from Kimmel's suspension has ignited significant backlash within the entertainment community. Notable figures, including Marvel star Mark Ruffalo, have expressed concerns over Disney's stock dropping following the show's removal from its regular slot. On social media, many fans have even canceled their subscriptions to Hulu and Disney+ in protest. Kathryn Hahn also chimed in, posting a supportive message on Instagram that included hashtags advocating for free speech.

Eisner and Fellow Hosts Weigh In

Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner criticized the company's decision, questioning the leadership's direction in responding to such pressures. He articulated concern about the implications for free speech, stating that the situation exemplifies the kind of intimidation that undermines democratic values. Fellow late-night hosts, including Jon Stewart and Jimmy Fallon, have publicly voiced their support for Kimmel, reinforcing a coalition of solidarity among comedians.

Political Tensions Surface

In this heated environment, former President Trump also weighed in, supporting FCC chairman Brendan Carr, alleging that news networks are biased against him. He suggested that licenses for broadcasters who misbehave politically should be reconsidered, intensifying the ongoing battle over media freedom and accountability.

Documentary's Wider Release Amid Controversy

The documentary, which explores the iconic Lilith Fair music festival and its cultural impact, was produced by Dan Levy's Not A Real Production Company alongside Elevation Pictures. It is available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+ both domestically and internationally.