Disney-backed streaming service Hulu caved this week to Democrats’ public whining about the company’s ban on controversial political issue ads on the platform.
Earlier this week, Democrats took to social and legacy media to threaten boycotts and complain about Hulu blocking ads from Democrats on abortion, guns, and other hot-button issues. Disney confirmed Wednesday to Axios that they have reversed course, telling the outlet such political ads are now permitted, effective immediately.
“After a thorough review of ad policies across its linear networks and streaming platforms over the last few months, Disney is now aligning Hulu’s political advertising policies to be consistent with the Company’s general entertainment and sports cable networks and ESPN+,” Disney said in a statement, per Axios.
“Hulu will now accept candidate and issue advertisements covering a wide spectrum of policy positions, but reserves the right to request edits or alternative creative, in alignment with industry standards,” the statement continued.
Disney has become increasingly political. Earlier this year, the company sided against a GOP-backed parental rights bill in Florida. In response, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stripped the company of its special privileges in the state.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and Democratic Governors Association ripped the streaming service for rejecting ads on Hulu.
“Hulu’s censorship of the truth is outrageous, offensive, and another step down a dangerous path for our country,” the executive directors of the three committees told The Washington Post. “Voters have the right to know the facts about MAGA Republicans’ agenda on issues like abortion — and Hulu is doing a huge disservice to the American people by blocking voters from learning the truth about the GOP record or denying these issues from even being discussed.”
Online, the activism was in overdrive, too.
“BREAKING: Hulu is REJECTING our ads calling out GOP attacks on abortion access and gun safety. Their shady policies amount to outrageous political censorship. Americans deserve to know the truth about these issues, and Hulu has no right to block it,” the Senate Democrats announced Monday.
“As long as Hulu is blocking political ads on January 6, gun safety, and reproductive rights, I will be blocking Hulu. Unsubscribe and delete,” lawyer Tristan Snell posted. “By the way, Hulu — do you really think shows like A Handmaid’s Tale will be allowed to air if the radical right gains control of America? You’re picking a side — and it’s not the side that’s in your own interest as a business.”
By the way, Hulu — do you really think shows like A Handmaid's Tale will be allowed to air if the radical right gains control of America?
You're picking a side — and it's not the side that's in your own interest as a business.
— Tristan Snell (@TristanSnell) July 25, 2022
“Hulu just blocked two Democrat ads from being played on their streaming site. One ad called out the GOP for banning abortion access. And the other ad was to promote gun safety. Hulu sides with the radical Fascist Republicans,” said actor and activist Dash Dobrofsky. “I just cancelled my Hulu subscription. You should too.”
Hulu just blocked two Democrat ads from being played on their streaming site. One ad called out the GOP for banning abortion access. And the other ad was to promote gun safety. Hulu sides with the radical Fascist Republicans. I just cancelled my Hulu subscription. You should too.
— Dash Dobrofsky (@DashDobrofsky) July 26, 2022
Editor’s note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the ad policy Hulu rescinded was new. This claim has been removed.
Disclosure: The Daily Wire has announced plans to develop children’s entertainment content.
Related: Netflix Loses Nearly 1 Million Subscriptions, Largest Drop In Company History