", FLORIDA REPUBLICANS CONDEMN 'WOKE' DISNEY, URGE MORE BOYCOTTS BY CONSERVATIVES AGAINST THE 'ACTIVIST MACHINE'. Squawk Box. All rights reserved. He was the executive, he executes policy, no one else. He is the guilty party. Still, DeSantis has continued to claim that Chapeks opposition is only because he hadnt bothered to read the bill, according to a DeSantis campaign email sent Thursday. Disney to Pause Florida Political Donations Amid Dont Say Gay Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. On top of the stock woes, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has become a punching bag for cultural critics. Disney CEO Bob Chapek Announces Pause for Political Giving in Ron DeSantis said he advised former Disney CEO Bob Chapek to stay out of a political battle over legislation in his state limiting discussion of sex and gender in public schools, according to the Republican's forthcoming book. Many of them chose to retire or find other jobs rather than move to Florida. Chapek took on the role of CEO back in February of 2020 from Bob Iger, right before the entire world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. FLORIDIOT: DeSantis Disney lackey thinks tap water makes you gay. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. Ron] Desantis desk vetoed. Starting immediately, we are increasing our support for advocacy groups to combat similar legislation in other states, Chapek wrote, possibly referring to a similar measure proposed in Georgia and bills targeting transgender children in Texas and Idaho. Disney has been able to build a robust library of kids movies while using the IP to churn out spinoffs and sequels, adding new content to its flagship streaming service, Disney+, to keep people paying month after month. "His history in all the divisions that really matter really is very supportive of him taking on that role. All of the companys three major content suppliers Marvel, Pixar and Lucasfilm have been publicly critical of the companys handling of the situation. An amendment from GOP state Sen. Jeff Brandes that would have widened the classroom instruction ban to human sexuality, and not specifically orientation and identity, failed to pass. The exec is continuing to try to put the company on more stable footing after its response to Floridas Dont Say Gay bill met with fierce backlash internally and in influential pockets of the talent community. Disney shows off its post-Iger politics | CNN Business Chapek wrapped up the session and thanked all of the participants. All Rights Reserved. Chapek added, there is so much more work to be done and said he would continue to engage with the LGBTQ community in the coming weeks. We cant say if he told DeSantis, but why wouldnt he tell him? Send us a tip using our annonymous form. Chapek Critics have depicted the bill as hurtful to LGBTQ inclusiveness and dubbed it the "Don't Say Gay" bill. CEO Denies Political Leanings Following Gina Carano Whether Disney CEO Bob Chapek had considered this before multiple shareholders pressed him about this bill this week during Disneys annual investors call isnt clear. He knew how to grow the business while adjusting to the changing marketplace, which was intense." You will be redirected back to your article in, David Lindley Dies: Session Star And Multi-Instrumentalist With Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan Was 78, Film Independent Spirit Awards: Livestream + Latest Winners List, Will Moviegoers Lend An Ear To Children Of The Corn Remake? "Parks is a business where they use data to drive pricing and engagement," Nathanson said. Iger, 70, is leaving Disney after running the company from 2005 to 2020. REUTERS. At this point, I felt confident he knew what he was doing because that was the right move. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis. The Florida bill hasnt factored into investors views as of yet, though the companys stock has been languishing near a 52-week low. While Iger didn't speak about specific decisions, he said he was increasingly invalidating points from co-workers because he'd "heard every argument before." The task force will develop strategy and action plans to engage with LGBTQ+ employees, community partners and content creators. The Walt Disney Company Halting Political Contributions in 2021 A Disney shareholder is speaking out against the company's involvement in Florida politics by actively opposing the Republican-led "Parental Rights in Education" bill championed by Republican Gov. Everyone knew that was a lie. Chapek has also personally condemned the bill most vigorously, albeit a week too late. Republicans argued the bill protects parental rights, while Democrats and LGBTQ groups contend it was intentionally vague and could have a chilling effect on teachers and students. The more combustible of those situations unfolded over House Bill 1557, the so-called Dont Say legislation. Some cookies are placed by third party services that appear on our pages. Occupy Democrats is a political organization and information website that provides a new counterbalance to the Republican Tea Party. Chapek's promotion comes at a time when Disney is facing challenges from the global coronavirus outbreak. Theyve invested millions of dollars in donations to political parties and more over the last 25 years, theyve given in-kind donations (like tickets to the parks and hotel stays) to political parties, and theyve hired lobbyists. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter, Interim president Joni Madison confirmed she and Bob Chapek "had a very productive conversation about the need for Disney to put real muscle into stopping what's happening to their employees and to their fans.". Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites. At another point in the town hall, the companys HR chief addressed the Florida situation and also affirmed that the company would oppose an effort by Texas Gov. ", Florida Gov. Periodically, we must employ comment moderation due to an influx of spammers. A Complete Timeline of the Battle Between Gov. Ron DeSantis and That has become increasingly important as streaming video slowly replaces linear pay TV and movie theaters as the dominant form of entertainment distribution. Everyone was attacking Governor DeSantis with bald-faced lies, and he was the one who stood for what he believed. Chapek has a career as an American media executive. Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek privately complained to Florida Gov. The bill bars teachers from discussingLGBTQtopics like sexual orientation or gender identity with students until after third grade. Thats what has happened, though. Despite the acrimony this month and a rare public clash last summer with an A-list star, Scarlett Johansson the company has been rebuilding after the depths of the pandemic and posted stellar financial results in February for its most recent quarter. Florida Gov. Ex-Disney CEO Chapek griped to DeSantis about 'pressure' to slam Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. A Division of NBCUniversal. "I am sorry. March 7th, 2022 Then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek comments further on the matter via an internal Disney memo. Its even possible that nobody was seriously vetting at all. Got a confidential news tip? A 27-year veteran of the Walt Disney Company, Chapek, 60, has a proven track record with consumers having been instrumental in the growth of the company's parks, consumer products and studio film businesses. Pushaw did not immediately return a request for comment Friday. He said he was overwhelmed by professionalism and objectivity of the news division but admitted Wright said some things on the Project Veritas video to make the company question his objectivity. All Rights Reserved. The event concluded with a fireside chat from Nadine Smith of Equality Florida and Latondra Newton, Disneys Chief Diversity Officer. Knowing my grandchildren will never experienced true Disney magic without political agendas. News Analysis. Iger decided to remain as chairman for nearly the past two years after giving up his CEO role to Chapek in February 2020. Bob Iger, the former Disney CEO whose decades-long tenure at the company ended in December, tweeted his opposition to the legislation weeks ago. The segment includes Disney's travel and leisure businesses, including six resort destinations and a cruise line, its consumer products operations, including all of its licensing of apparel, toys, home goods, digital games, apps, publishing and retail locations, as well as all of its theme parks globally. Preference cookies enable a website to remember information that changes the way the website behaves or looks, like your preferred language or the region that you are in. And Laurene and Steve and [Iger's wife] Willow [Bay] and I sat down at a dinner, and he toasted to the deal we had done some years earlier, convinced that it was the right thing to do for Disney and for Pixar. Iger sat down for an exclusive interview with CNBC's David Faber. What about the Disney black list? he asked. (Gerardo Mora / Getty Images). By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. DeSantis signs bill placing Disney district u Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave, Buster Murdaugh got 'very drunk' with dad 2 months after mom, brother murdered: source, What's next for Buster Murdaugh after dad's murder conviction, life sentence, Prince Harry was scared to lose Meghan Markle after fight that led to therapy, Prince Harry says psychedelics are fundamental part of his life, Inside Scheana Shay, Raquel Leviss heated confrontation about Tom Sandoval affair, Tom Sizemore And The Dangerous Burden of Desperation, Tom Sandoval, Raquel Leviss planned to tell Ariana Madix about affair. Bob Chapek Finally Weighs In on Woke Culture: I Want to Use He said the company was increasing support for advocacy Chapek began his Disney career in 1993 as the marketing director for the company's Buena Vista Home Entertainment division, which at that time was focused on VHS tapes. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. DeSantis signed the legislation into law this week that bars instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Iger credited his ability to get founders to sell him assets to his intense focus on building personal relationships. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Chapek didnt speak to the Carano incident directly but said Disney stands for values that are universal: respect, decency, integrity and inclusion and we seek to have the content that we make reflective of the rich diversity of the world we live in. Disney has intentionally left some fans behind, but it may need them later. The company has also given more than $100,000 to the Friends of Ron DeSantis PAC since 2019. Chapek was replaced by longtime CEO Bob Iger in late 2022. I think change, I think generally speaking, change is good. Why Disney Wont Say Much About Floridas Dont Say Gay Bill TV. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. But Chapek stayed positive and dismissed the other criticism, saying ABC News has a stellar track record of being objective and reporting the news and will continue to do so in the future., ABC NEW SUSPENDS MATT GUTMAN FOR FALSELY REPORTING ALL OF KOBE BRYANT'S CHILDREN WERE ON DOOMED HELICOPTER, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss," Danhof told Fox News following the meeting, referencing a famous The Who lyric. Im with the President on this! Igerwrote. Bob Chapek Ron DeSantis said that ex-Disney CEO Bob Chapek complained to him about the pressure he was under from the left [WOKEs] to join in on the Governors new education bill restricting gender identity lessons, PK-3. Chief executive Bob Chapek doesnt think so. Iger, 69, will remain with the company through 2021 to handle Disney's content initiatives such as Disney+, with the expectation that Chapek will eventually take control of all roles. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. I feel that the truth suffers, the voters are poorly informed, and people also have the opportunity to tune into whatever they want to hear, Wright said in the video, which also featured an ABCNews producer. Feature Image: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images, Tags: Bob ChapekBob IgerChapekDisneyLake NonaThe Walt Disney Company. Robert Chapek - $11,106 in Political Contributions for 2016 Pixar deal completed to show Disney employees it was a new day, says former CEO Bob Iger, Disney's Bob Iger: Leaving during Covid was unfortunate timing, Charley Gallay | Getty Images; Patrick T. Fallon | Bloomberg | Getty Images, App-based entertainment is replacing linear channels like traditional media, says fmr. These cast members were already reticent to uproot their lives for Disney. He stepped down last year as CEO, succeeded by Bob Chapek, but has stayed on as chairman through the coronavirus pandemic. Chapek learned a harsh lesson that potential political allies behind closed doors are all too happy to attack Disney in the media for personal gain. Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek privately complained to Florida Gov. The thought process here stems from the high cost of real estate in California relative to Florida. Dave Filoni Answers, Relieve the Battle of Hoth With This Star Wars Mystery Pin Set, Dining / Disney California Adventure / Disneyland, Must-Try Menu Items at Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. Meet a Disney Cast Member Advocating for Accessible Technology, Where Was Grogu During The Sequel Trilogy? The Wrap has reported that Imagineers have campaigned for Disney to reconsider. However, once the show started, well, it got awkward fast. A rep for ABC News toldFox News he would be reassigned after serving his suspension and an insider said he was hoodwinked into making the statements oncamera. Disney CEO Bob Chapek recently responded to accusations of a company double standard during the Q&A portion of Disneys annual shareholder meeting.One shareholder held that Gina Carano was fired due to her conservative views, rather than the offensive nature of her fateful post, noting, as others have, that left-leaning co-star Pedro In it, the Disney leader said the company had not released a public statement condemning the bill, which was passed by the state legislation Tuesday and has been sent to DeSantis desk to be signed, because they are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame., Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Disney did not return requests for comment. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. DeSantis cements takeover of Disney's special Florida district, At first, Chapek tried to remain on the sidelines, but LGBTQ employees and advocates pressured the exec to take a stand last March, asserting that the bill was a human rights issue. Market data provided by Factset. All Disney employees were invited to attend the town hall this morning, which Deadline was told was part of an ongoing conversation series that began in 2020. Chapek is a liar. We have a multi-language translator on the top left. Disney CEO Bob Chapek downplayed criticism of ABC News. Earlier this month, Disney CEO Bob Chapek spoke out on the pro-Trump mob attack on the US Capitol. Ron DeSantis. Ron DeSantis over the pressure he was facing to weigh in against Floridas Parental pic.twitter.com/OWsGTUoeCA, Christopher F. Rufo (@realchrisrufo) March 29, 2022, SCOOP: Ive obtained video from inside Disneys all-hands meeting about the Florida parental rights bill, in which executive producer Latoya Raveneau says her team has implemented a not-at-all-secret gay agenda and is regularly adding queerness to childrens programming. Now, you could argue that inflation is real during the pandemic. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. The actress was let go from the popular Lucasfilm and Disney series on Disney+ after she took to social media to, as Lucasfilm described it, post abhorrent material that compared the current divided political climate in the U.S. to Nazi Germany. Political Party Stances; 51% : Florida Gov. Disney chief executive Bob Chapek speaks during a ceremony on Sept. 11, 2015, at Hong Kong Disneyland. Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek last year complained to Florida Gov. How Disney and CEO Bob Chapek made a mess of the companys Ron DeSantis said that ex-Disney CEO Bob Chapek complained to him about the pressure he was under from the left [WOKEs] to join in on the Governors new education bill restricting gender identity lessons, PK-3. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. Bob Chapek Ron DeSantis, who accused the company of being woke a day earlier for opposing the bill. Unfortunately, theresnothing inclusive about the Dont Say Gay bill. Disney has since stated it will no longer donate to political campaigns. Bob Chapek was initially silent on Floridas controversial bill barring discussions of gender identity in school classrooms. Disneys CEO transition from Bob Iger to Bob Chapek marked a shift from an outspoken, famous CEO with political ambitions, to a largely unfamiliar name whose In a second memo to Disney workers, Chapek said Disney was suspending all political donations in Florida. Many of the workers who have agreed to go to Florida remain in California for the time being. Disney CEO Bob Chapek gets close to GOP lawmakers ahead of All Rights Reserved. "That was an early sign that it was time. We want to hear from you! "Heres a suggestion for Disney CEO Bob Chapek: Get back to business, that is, excellence in storytelling, and stop wasting shareholders' money on political crusades that have nothing to do with Disneys business," Keating told Fox News Digital. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided byRefinitiv Lipper. Disney CEO Told DeSantis He Didnt Want to Do It Bob Chapeks Worst Five Mistakes as Disney CEO While Chapek said he spoke with DeSantis by phone and would meet with him, DeSantis spokeswoman Christina Pushaw said Thursday no in-person meeting had been scheduled. Amid the melee, DeSantis issued a warning over Disney getting involved in the legislation. Wright was disciplined after higher-ups at ABC News reviewedfootagein whichWright described himself as a "socialist" and criticized the network for the way in which it chooses to present the news. Bob Iger, the former Disney CEO whose decades-long tenure at the company ended in December, tweeted his opposition to the legislation weeks ago. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. All Rights Reserved. "He was very, very concerned about Lucasfilm - in many respects his baby, his legacy and there was a trust there too that I think we demonstrated, that we could be trusted," Iger said about Lucas. Ron DeSantis said that ex-Disney CEO Bob Chapek complained to him about the pressure he was under from the left [WOKEs] to join in on the Governors new education bill restricting gender identity lessons, PK-3. Occupy Democrats is a political organization and information website that provides a new counterbalance to the Republican Tea Party. We get pressured all the time, Chapek told DeSantis, according to the governors book. DeSantis wrotethat Chapek and Disney ultimately caved to leftist media and activist pressure and pressed the false narrative against the bill.. 2016 Election Cycle. After weeks of internal strife and external controversy surrounding the Walt Disney Companys lack of public response to the Dont Say Gay legislation in Florida, New York CNN . Most of the decisions appear understandable in isolation. News Analysis. Bob Chapek (C) Chairman of Parks, Experiences, and Products for the Walt Disney Company speaks during the dedication ceremony for the "Rise of the Resistance" attraction opening at Galaxy's Edge at Disneys Hollywood Studios on December 04, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. (Getty Images. Its just a bit more subtle. The debut of "Disney Enchantment" during "The World's Most Magical Celebration" Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary at Magic Kingdom on Sept. 30, 2021, in Orlando, Florida. Bob Chapek Disney CEO Chapek Bob Chapek Tuesday said he doesnt really see Disney as characterizing itself as left-leaning or right-leaning responding to a shareholder who Specialty Preview, Ozy Media Closes In Wake Of Founder Carlos Watson Scandal, TikTok Introduces New Feature To Limit Screen Time For Teens, Prolific Actor Dies At 61 After Aneurysm; Hollywood Reax + Career In Photos, Eyes $51M+ Opening In U.S., A Record For Rocky Spinoff Franchise & Amazon, SAG-AFTRA And Casting Directors Weigh In On Self-Tape Controversy, Oscar Winner Guillermo del Toro On The Films That Lit His Fuse. During the town hall, Chapek repeated his expression of regret about the companys decision not to take a public stance against the bill, given the large number of its employees it affected. He will be the seventh CEO in Disney's nearly 100-year history. Original story, Wednesday morning: Disney CEO Bob Chapek said during the companys shareholders meeting on Wednesday that he will be meeting with Florida Gov. "Parks is the only business they have, before [streaming], that's direct to consumer.". Disney Chairman Bob Iger is leaving the company at the end of the month. Florida Gov. Speaking to you, reading your messages, and meeting with you have helped me better understand how painful our silence was, Chapek wrote. Bob Chapek The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Bob Chapek And I think thats a world we should all live in harmony and peace., Disney+ Tops 100 Million Subscribers , CEO Bob Chapek Says. The weeklong mess also elicited criticism from the right, as Fox News picked up on the DeSantis administrations portrayal of what they derided as woke Disney trying to get the state to change its ways. We want to hear from you. Bob Chapek The decision by the largest employer in Central Florida could have a major impact on election fundraising for both parties, and it escalates in his war of words with Gov. Send us a tip using our annonymous form. So, Disney had to do many of these things, and I would agree with you. There is no question that Chapek was under tremendous pressure. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. This priority caused him to lose sight of the challenges in working with Hollywood talents. Everything else is justifiable. Even so, Disney has strengthened the belief that its park price increases are out of control. Bob Chapek was tapped on Tuesday to succeedlong-time Disney CEO Bob Iger. He was the VIDEO 3:58 03:58. As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com Political Campaign Contributions. Disneys decision to fold under the pressure of the lying-Left is disappointing.. Legal Statement. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. In March, Disney became entangled in a heated dispute with Gov. We want to hear from you! While Chapek was positive and largely avoided Danhofs criticism, his comment that Wrights objectivity is questionable coincides with the networks decision to suspend the veteran reporter. They allegedly alsomade the workplace environment hostile. DeSantis cements takeover of Disney's special Florida district, Corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds, he wrote, and are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide. So what Disney says means nothing? Interested in booking a Disney Vacation? It didnt happen long ago, so we should all remember how they behaved. The law states that we can store cookies on your device if they are strictly necessary for the operation of this site. Heinz, and in advertising at J. Walter Thompson. "Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that.
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