Chapeks statement comes after a week of criticism from fans and employees about his delayed reaction to the bill, which he opposed only after it passed both houses of the Legislature and was sent to DeSantis for his signature. Disney shareholder tells CEO Chapek to stop wasting money on 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. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. 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. A Division of NBCUniversal. We want to hear from you! All of the companys three major content suppliers Marvel, Pixar and Lucasfilm have been publicly critical of the companys handling of the situation. DeSantis backs down from his commitment to doing whats best for Floridas children and parents. The head of Disney's parks, experiences and products is now its new CEO. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. "I obviously have huge shoes to fill," Chapek told CNBC's Julia Boorstin on "Closing Bell" Tuesday. Meet a Disney Cast Member Advocating for Accessible Technology, Where Was Grogu During The Sequel Trilogy? Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Disney CEO Told DeSantis He Didnt Want to Do It Chapek's was named chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in 2015 and his tenure was marked by the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort in 2016, the doubling of the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the addition of immersive Star Wars lands at Disneyland and Disney World, the expansion of Marvel-inspired attractions worldwide and massive development projects at Disneyland Paris. That has become increasingly important as streaming video slowly replaces linear pay TV and movie theaters as the dominant form of entertainment distribution. However, one of them provedregrettable. 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. 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. Bob Chapek It sounds about right. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. Chapek and Disneys past public silence on the controversial HB 1557/SB 1834 bill ignited an internal revolt among the companys LGBTQ employees and their allies, leading to the CEO apologizing Friday for not being a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights., You may have seen the news earlier this week that HRC is not going to take any funding from Disney until we see them take real action to defeat hateful legislation in Florida, the HRC interim leader said during her speech at the Saturday event. While the Walt Disney Company and its executives had a right to indulge in woke activism, Florida did not have to place the company on a pedestal while they do so especially when the companys activism impacted the rights of parents and the well-being of children, DeSantis added. Robert Chapek. 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. He then transitioned to the company's consumer products team in 2011 as president of Disney consumer products. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Everyone knew that was a lie. He agreed that the company should stand up more for the LGBTQ+ community in pursuit of more meaningful and lasting change. Some cookies are placed by third party services that appear on our pages. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox. Ron] Desantis desk vetoed. WebBob Chapek. Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek privately complained to Florida Gov. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Richard Drew, File. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. 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. 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. The email came two days after the companys annual shareholder meeting, during which Chapek explained that the company had long opposed the Florida bill but opted to work behind the scenes rather than make a public statement. The task force will develop strategy and action plans to engage with LGBTQ+ employees, community partners and content creators. It sounds about right. All rights reserved. Ray Keating, an economist and editor of DisneyBizJournal.com, said when companies dive into politics, it rarely turns out and well. Robert ChapekPolitical Campaign Contributions2016 Election Cycle. Its only temporary and has nothing to do with the content of the comments. In addition to addressing Disney directly, Madison also acknowledged that the issue is much larger than the single company. Change isn't necessarily bad.". 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. This performance should never have gone forward. All Rights Reserved. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. As such, he should have known how Hollywood works. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung / AP Newsroom). DeSantis published the conversation with Chapek in his memoir, The Courage to be Free: Floridas Blueprint for American Revival, shared with Fox News Digital. All Rights Reserved. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis. I am sorry.. Park officials reeeeeaaally dont want headlines with racist chant in them. ABC News anchor caught on hot mic claiming network killed Jeffery Epstein bombshell. He said the company was increasing support for advocacy 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. "Im totally fine with reining in corporations, I think theyre too many billionaires, and I think theres a wealth gap thats a problem. Some folks took offense at that, which isdefinitely a take. Human Rights Campaign interim president Joni Madison says the LGBTQ organization has already been in touch with Bob Chapek after the Disney CEO committed to pausing all political donations in Florida following internal backlash over its initial silence around the Dont Say Gay bill. Speaking to you, reading your messages, and meeting with you have helped me better understand how painful our silence was, Chapek wrote. Disney has given about $55 million to Republicans, Democrats and political committees in the state over the past 28 years, including about $5 million in 2020 and more than $2 million so far in 2022, state records show. He knew how to grow the business while adjusting to the changing marketplace, which was intense." Disney CEO Bob Chapek Announces Pause for Political Giving in But DeSantis pushed on, signing a law to strip Disney World of its Reedy Creek control on Monday. Chapek Bob Chapek Interested in booking a Disney Vacation? Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek privately complained to Florida Gov. Disney Chairman and former CEO Bob Iger told CNBC he began thinking about stepping down as chief executive after feeling he was becoming too dismissive of other people's opinions. Got a confidential news tip? If you dont see your language, email sara@independentsentinel.com we will add it. So, Disney purchased nearly 60 acres of land in Lake Nona, Florida. 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. News of the postponement came as Disney CEO Bob Chapek conducted a town hall meeting for all employeesMonday. The bills Republican sponsors have also been more openly vocal about LGBTQ students, with Baxley complaining about everybody now all about coming out when youre in school.. Back in 2018, Danhof confronted then-CEO Iger about ABC News Joy Behar, who was under fire at the time for comments that mocked Vice President Pences Christian faith. Disney CEO Bob Chapek downplayed criticism of ABC News. Feature Image: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images, Tags: Bob ChapekBob IgerChapekDisneyLake NonaThe Walt Disney Company. 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By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. It fit into the larger corporate campaign known as Reimagine Tomorrow, which aims to emphasize Disneys commitment to diversity and inclusion. Now, you could argue that inflation is real during the pandemic. It sounds about right. Disney CEO Bob Chapek Says No Political Bias In Gina Carano The more combustible of those situations unfolded over House Bill 1557, the so-called Dont Say legislation. Original story, Wednesday morning: Disney CEO Bob Chapek said during the companys shareholders meeting on Wednesday that he will be meeting with Florida Gov. This caused #FireGinaCarano to trend and eventually, she was. We want to hear from you. Disney CEO Bob Chapek prepares for GOP to become majority in CEO Bob Chapek is less willing than Bob Iger to take public political stands including LGBTQ (The PAC splits its gifts equally between the parties.) DeSantis retaliated by signaling publicly that he would be willing to re-evaluate Disneys special tax district, called Reedy Creek, and favorable corporate agreements due to its insistence on woke political activism. The company has also given more than $100,000 to the Friends of Ron DeSantis PAC since 2019. The pressure from the WOKE cancel culture was vicious. Robert Chapek - $11,106 in Political Contributions for 2016 FLORIDIOT: DeSantis Disney lackey thinks tap water makes you gay. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We want to hear from you! Florida Gov. Pushaw did not immediately return a request for comment Friday. DeSantis cements takeover of Disney's special Florida district, These cast members were already reticent to uproot their lives for Disney. Disney allowed the drill team to perform based on an audition tape it had sent. In March, Disney became entangled in a heated dispute with Gov. Bob Chapek Staunchly Opposed To Politics, Will Not Comment As many of its LGBTQ+ employees get set for a full-day walkout Tuesday, Disney has decided to postpone a management retreat set for next week as it continues efforts to calm internal waters. All Rights Reserved. What about the Disney black list? he asked. Colleagues perceive former CEO Bob Iger as a highly political person with an acute mind for such situations. We need you to be there for us when it is hard and when it counts.. ), The HRC president went on to say that companies need to deliver more than inclusive employment policies and a clever Pride campaign and that corporate values should be guiding principles in how a company shows up for the marginalized, instead of being marketing materials., I promise you, states lucrative tax laws wont matter much to your employees and consumers who are being criminalized for supporting their kids and being pushed back in the closet by the legal system, she said. We are hard at work creating a new framework for our political giving that will ensure our advocacy better reflects our values. Chapek allegedly told him he didnt want to get involved but hadnt seen anything like it, but thats not what he said in public. 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. I truly believe we are an infinitely better and stronger company because of our LGBTQ+ community, he wrote. Apparently, a Texas high school doesnt know what year it is and still performs a routine featuring Indianettes.. Knowing my grandchildren will never experienced true Disney magic without political agendas. WebCanada Disney CEO Bob Chapek Apologizes to LGBTQ Employees, Announces Pause for Political Donations in Florida variety This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast 29K 7 1.6K Related Topics Politics 1.6K comments Best AutoModerator 1 yr. ago As a reminder, this subreddit is for civil discussion. "Bob [Chapek] is going to address them probably differently perhaps than I may have. Bob Iger, the former Disney CEO whose decades-long tenure at the company ended in December, tweeted his opposition to the legislation weeks ago. All Rights Reserved. But this time is different. (Gerardo Mora / Getty Images) Under pressure from LGBTQ activists and progressive employees some of whom who have walked out of the job in protest Get latest updates political news from Central Florida and across the state. Iger will assume the role of executive chairman. TV. Many of them have led to price increases. However, in the wake of the Dont Say Gay legislation, such a move feels like a betrayal of their values. The event concluded with a fireside chat from Nadine Smith of Equality Florida and Latondra Newton, Disneys Chief Diversity Officer. You will be redirected back to your article in, Paramount To Pay $122.5M To Settle 2019 Shareholder Lawsuit Over Viacom-CBS Merger, Film Independent Spirit Awards: Livestream + Latest Winners List, posted stellar financial results in February, 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. Disney CEO Bob Iger, Here are Disney's major milestones under Bob Iger's leadership, Iger had repeatedly pushed off his retirement. Everyone was attacking Governor DeSantis with bald-faced lies, and he was the one who stood for what he believed. On Monday, Disney and CEO Bob Chapek sent an internal memo following reports that the company had donated thousands of dollars to Florida representatives that supported and voted for the Parental Rights in Education bill. Parents would be able to sue school districts over the issue. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. FAQ - New Privacy Policy, New York Posts Karol Markowicz discusses how Disney is pushing back against Floridas parental rights bill and how she is quitting the park on Fox Business Tonight.. Disney Chairman Bob Iger is leaving the company at the end of the month. 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. Bob Chapek was born Robert Alan Chapek on August 21, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Conversely, Chapek believes that his best approach is to avoid politics altogether, a legitimate impossibility for a company like Disney. But that's neither good nor bad. WATCH: Disney's Bob Iger turns CEO job to Chapek. 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. Iger told Disney staffers in November that he didnt like that the Mouse House was embroiled in controversy and that he would work to quiet things down.. In short, this debacle was totally avoidable. The Shanghai and Hong Kong Disney parks have been shuttered until the outbreak can be contained and there are concerns from analysts that upcoming Disney film releases like "Mulan" could be disrupted because cinemas are currently closed in China. 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. 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. Disney has *deep breath* eliminated Magical Express, exchanged free FastPasses for paid Lightning Lane experiences, required Park Passes, temporarily removed the dining plan and most annual passes, and raised many food/drink prices. Employees were walking out in protest and ranting to the media. 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. Thanks to a reportedly massive payment Disney sent to Johansson, the two parties have since made up. On top of the stock woes, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has become a punching bag for cultural critics. VIDEO 3:58 03:58. Bob Disney suspends political contributions in Florida as CEO 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. Iger also discussed his strategy around buying animation studio Pixar, comic book and action hero company Marvel Entertainment, and Lucasfilm, home of Star Wars.