Disney CEO Bob Chapek Addresses Controversy Over “Don’t Say Gay” Bill
Disney is working to extend inclusion throughout the firm and past in some ways. From adjusting firm values to altering Cast Member uniform necessities, they’ve continued to develop into extra inclusive and supportive of variety.
Recently, nonetheless, the Walt Disney Company has been within the highlight for donating to politicians who help the “Don’t Say Gay” invoice in Florida and for neglecting to talk out towards this invoice. Although Disney launched a brief assertion in response to protests and calls to motion, many really feel that CEO Bob Chapek and the corporate must do extra. Now, Chapek has despatched a memo to Disney workers explaining the corporate’s stance on the problem and refusal to remark.
If you’re unfamiliar with the “Don’t Say Gay” invoice and surrounding controversy, you may learn our full put up in regards to the problem right here.
Click right here to study in regards to the “Don’t Say Gay” invoice and Disney’s response.
Disney has not issued a public assertion condemning the proposed invoice (which has handed the Florida House of Representatives and can proceed to the Florida Senate subsequent). For this purpose, many are criticizing present management and their lack of motion.
In response, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has despatched a memo to Disney workers explaining the dearth of public assertion about this problem. Brooks Barnes of the New York Times reported on this assertion, amongst different information websites.
In Chapek’s word, he reported that he met with Disney LGBTQ+ leaders to “discuss controversial legislation pending in Florida that would impact their communities.” During this assembly, these leaders expressed “disappointment that the company has not issued a public statement condemning the legislation.”
While not expressly condemning the invoice, Chapek famous that he “and the entire leadership team unequivocally stand in support of our LGBTQ+ employees, their families, and their communities.” Chapek mentioned, “I do not want anyone to mistake a lack of a statement for a lack of support.”
He cited Disney content material reminiscent of Encanto, Black Panther, Pose, Modern Family, Shang-Chi, Summer of Soul, and Love, Victor as proof of the corporate’s continued help of numerous teams. Chapek mentioned, “These and all of our diverse stories are our corporate statements.” In essence, Chapek prefers to touch upon controversial occasions by way of storytelling and content material moderately than getting instantly concerned with the political dialog.
In addition, the CEO pointed to donations to LGBTQ+ organizations, help of occasions reminiscent of Pride parades, and a long-standing 100% score from the Human Rights Campaign as additional proof of the corporate’s help. Chapek mentioned, “We are and will continue to be a leader in supporting organizations that champion diversity.”
In addressing the explanation for an absence of public assertion condemning the controversial invoice, Chapek claimed that “corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds. Instead, they are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame.” He additionally mentioned that the Disney firm has donated to politicians on each side of the invoice and that Disney’s new Chief Corporate Affairs Officer “will be reassessing our advocacy strategies around the world.”
The Disney firm is holding a Reimagine Tomorrow Summit this 12 months, and Chapek mentioned that they’ll have “a more fulsome conversation about this” at that occasion.
It appears that Disney might not remark publicly about Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” invoice, however primarily based on Chapek’s memo, we might count on to see extra commentary in regards to the problem in new content material from the corporate.
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