Disney CEO addresses 'disappointment' that company hasn't criticized Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill
Disney's boss is defending his silence on Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill.
Disney CEO Bob Chapek in a memo to employees on Monday addressed "disappointment that the company has not issued a public statement condemning" controversial new legislation in Florida that would ban schools from teaching young kids about sexual orientation or concealing students' sexual orientation from parents. Disney has been facing pressure to speak out against the legislation given its business interests in Florida, but Chapek defended not doing so.
"As we have seen time and again, corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds," Chapek wrote, per Deadline. "Instead, they are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame. Simply put, they can be counterproductive and undermine more effective ways to achieve change."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Instead, the Disney boss argued "the best way for our company to bring about lasting change is through the inspiring content we produce," claiming Disney films such as Black Panther and Encanto are "changing hearts and minds" and are "more powerful than any tweet or lobbying effort." He added that Disney's "ability to tell such stories" would be "diminished if our company were to become a political football in any debate," but he said Disney "unequivocally" supports its LGBTQ+ employees.
Acknowledging that Disney has "contributed to both Republican and Democrat legislators who have subsequently taken positions on both sides of the legislation," Chapek also said the company would be "reassessing our advocacy strategies," including its political contributions. Chapek quickly drew criticism for not condemning the Florida bill, though, with NPR critic Eric Deggans asking, "What will he tell LGBTQ staff in Florida to do when it becomes law?"
Meanwhile, former Disney CEO Bob Iger has criticized the bill, supporting President Biden after he called it "hateful." Iger tweeted, "I'm with the president on this! If passed, this bill will put vulnerable, young LGBTQ people in jeopardy."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
What can Elon Musk's cost-cutting task force actually cut?
Talking Points A $2 trillion goal. And big obstacles in the way.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Her Lotus Year: Paul French's new biography sets lurid rumours straight
The Week Recommends Wallis Simpson's year in China is less scandalous, but 'more interesting' than previously thought
By The Week UK Published
-
Today's political cartoons - November 21, 2024
Cartoons Thursday's cartoons - wild cards, wild turkeys, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published