Disney+ faces continued backlash after a surprise cancellation of the documentary In Their Name, decided unilaterally by the platform. Victims represented by Big Head Quotes issued statements on social media, accusing Disney+ of betraying them and branded leaders Simon Amselem and Vicente Sourdeau as responsible for withholding the film, claiming they have treated the victims’ pain, dignity, and self-worth with insensitivity and disregard.
The group of victims connected to the case involving Kote Cabezudo pressed for a credible, coherent public explanation from Disney+ Spain about why a documentary they had publicly announced and scheduled for release was not aired. They rejected any attempt to justify the non-broadcast by suggesting that Disney+ can shield the platform’s image while remaining silent about the alleged criminal activities involved, which span more than three decades. This demand was voiced as a clear, united call for accountability.
Further statements asserted that Disney+ would not only be turning away the victims but also denying support to those who suffered abuse and exploitation. The group claimed that any silence from the platform serves as an endorsement of those who ignored or concealed sexual abuse, including the broader circle of individuals who facilitated or looked the other way at crimes against minors.
Expressing resolve, the victims declared that their narrative would be shared openly and without manipulation. They emphasized that there is no longer a space for manipulation by those who previously used their position to control the story. They asserted that Disney+ faced a decisive moment and that the documentary, once withheld, would eventually be accessible to the public for viewing in the near future. The message underscored the courage and dignity of the victims as they faced ongoing threats and attempts to silence them, noting that the platform’s leaders stand in direct opposition to their efforts to seek truth and accountability. [Citation: Victims’ public statements, ongoing coverage]
The victims also disclosed a sequence of production milestones that they had observed in real time. They recounted that on December 1, 2021, the project progressed through several stages with Disney+ involved at each step: script approval for every episode, final cut approval with Disney+’s input on adjustments, a promotional trailer, and an announced premiere date for November 23, 2022. They claimed Disney+ sent advance screenings to a broad group of journalists and influencers two weeks prior to the premiere, and that the platform had secured a legal opinion from a consultant regarding the impartiality of the documentary and the risk of potential legal action in the United States. [Citation: Production chronology]
According to the victims, Disney+ maintained a provision that, should litigation arise, responsibility would rest with the documentary’s producer. They further alleged that civil liability insurance was arranged, reportedly at levels far exceeding any possible court-ordered compensation after the film aired, reflecting heightened precaution against legal exposure. The group asserted that Disney+ ultimately chose not to air the documentary without presenting a coherent public explanation and without addressing the victims directly. [Citation: Legal and insurance notes]
Public remarks from individuals connected to the project echoed the call for accountability. The director of the production company, who also serves as executive producer, criticized the platform for abandoning the voices of the women involved. He suggested that the public narrative should be driven by the content itself rather than by comments from authorities who prefer to remain distant. He added that the decision to avoid airing was not just a strategic move but a gesture that could perpetuate harassment if the truth remains unspoken. [Citation: Producer statements]
There were additional notes about scheduling changes, with Disney+ postponing the premiere originally planned for November 22 and not listing the program within the platform’s In Their Name catalog. The producers indicated that this action shifted control of the material back to the creators, who continue to consider how and where the documentary will eventually be shown. The material includes intimate testimonies and photographs linked to a photographer from San Sebastian who received a lengthy prison sentence last summer. [Citation: Scheduling and rights]
As the storyline unfolds, the production team maintains interest in releasing the documentary, citing ongoing discussions about its public impact and timing. Sources cited by media outlets note that the project remains a focus of debate and that the location and timeline for its eventual release are still being negotiated. This ongoing development highlights the tension between platform decisions and the rights and safety of survivors seeking visibility and justice. [Citation: Ongoing negotiations]