2023 FOX News Network, LLC. FLORIDIOT: DeSantis Disney lackey thinks tap water makes you gay. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, 2024 frontrunner: Trump wins CPAC straw poll in a landslide, Ron DeSantis skips CPAC as organization faces scandals, Florida bill would require bloggers writing about DeSantis to share pay info, DeSantis rips other GOPers for acting like potted plants in face of woke ideology fight: report, Chapek, who had stayed silent on the bill, re-evaluate Disneys special tax district, called Reedy Creek, signing a law to strip Disney World of its Reedy Creek control on Monday. I think my role is not to take the strategic pillars he's so well established over the last 15 years and continue to work on those and implement those in the marketplace, most importantly our direct-to-consumer initiatives, but at the same time look around the corner for what disruption might be going on in the marketplace that would necessitate a fresh look at those things.". Disney Chairman Bob Iger is leaving the company at the end of the month. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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 accused Hollywood and the company of a double standard in firing Gina Carano from The Mandalorian because shes a conservative. 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 nearly century-old company has been dragged for becoming too politically correct, famously clashing with Republican 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 All Rights Reserved. Ray Keating, an economist and editor of DisneyBizJournal.com, said when companies dive into politics, it rarely turns out and well. I thought of this belief in combination with the recent political dust-up Disney experienced. 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. GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE, "Disneys management succumbed to political pressure from activists on the Left, and now its getting hit from the Left and the Right," Keating told Fox News Digital. The more combustible of those situations unfolded over House Bill 1557, the so-called Dont Say legislation. In a span of a month, Disney went from hiring the actress for a Tower of Terror movie to calling her ungrateful and selfishthe week she was having a baby. For the past 18 months, Disney has fallen into the latter category as leadership has accidentally caused as many screw-ups as it has fixed. He stepped down last year as CEO, succeeded by Bob Chapek, but has stayed on as chairman through the coronavirus pandemic. Robert ChapekPolitical Campaign Contributions2016 Election Cycle. Got a confidential news tip? Period. Many of them chose to retire or find other jobs rather than move to Florida. Disney this week said it will work to repeal the legislation in Florida because it's dedicated to standing up for the rights and safety of the LGBTQ+ community. DeSantis, a rumored 2024 presidential hopeful, has not yet announced if he will run. 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? November 21, 2022 by Mary Bob Chapek was born Robert Alan Chapek on August 21, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. 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. Chapek cared too much about his needs and not enough about those of others. He got played here. In that role, he reorganized the business to cut costs and oversaw a number of popular toy crazes from franchises like "Frozen.". They left for other gigs. WebBob Chapek. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Disney CEO Denies Political Leanings Following Gina Carano Firing During annual shareholder call, CEO Bob Chapek maintains the media giant isnt left leaning or right leaning, but instead stands for the universal values of respect, decency, integrity, and inclusion. Wright was recently disciplined by higher-ups at ABC News. He was the executive, he executes policy, no one else. Would love your thoughts, please comment. As the controversy over the Parental Rights in Education bill was coming to a head, Chapek called me. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. During the pandemic, Disney has ramped up its usage of high school performers at theme parks, especially Magic Kingdom. Florida Gov. Someone will be now, though. The thought process here stems from the high cost of real estate in California relative to Florida. If you dont see your language, email sara@independentsentinel.com we will add it. Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference at the Eau Gallie High School aviation hangar on March 22, 2021. 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. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. I feel terrible about it. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Richard Drew, File. People are questioning DeSantiss comments. Fridays move came after Chapek announced in a Disney shareholder meeting Wednesday that the company would pledge $5 million to LGBTQ organizations focused on legal protections for the community a donation HRC rejected the same day. "I am sorry. "Parks is the only business they have, before [streaming], that's direct to consumer.". 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.. Everyone knew that was a lie. Earlier this month, Disney CEO Bob Chapek spoke out on the pro-Trump mob attack on the US Capitol. Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. Disney CEO Bob Chapek has had private phone calls this year with House Republican leaders including House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La. Disney CEO Bob Chapek gets close to GOP lawmakers ahead of Initially, complaints arose about the fact that Disney wasnt letting the drill team wear their headdresses. All rights reserved. Instead, DeSantis blasted the company as woke and in bed with Chinese communists at an exclusive event publicized on Fox News. This performance should never have gone forward. Chapek seems content to stick his head in the sand when it comes to the pervasive anti-conservative bias across ABC News, just as his predecessor Mr. Iger always was. The company has also given more than $100,000 to the Friends of Ron DeSantis PAC since 2019. VIDEO 3:58 03:58. Iger planned to run for POTUS at one point. 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. 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. It wasn't the reason I left, but it was a contributing factor.". 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. 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. Its gut-check time for every CEO and company [in] America. When Chapek took the job as head of Disney, critics lamented his lack of experience with the Hollywood studio system. You can look at the comments section for any Disney discussion, and its an inevitable statement from some. Unfortunately, theresnothing inclusive about the Dont Say Gay bill. Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. Analytics cookies help website owners to understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and reporting information anonymously. The Florida bill hasnt factored into investors views as of yet, though the companys stock has been languishing near a 52-week low. Madison addressed The Walt Disney Companys latest pledge during the LGBTQ advocacy groups annual Los Angeles dinner, held Saturday night at the JW Marriott LA Live Hotel. Speaking to you, reading your messages, and meeting with you have helped me better understand how painful our silence was, Chapek wrote. "Bob [Chapek] is going to address them probably differently perhaps than I may have. 2016 Election Cycle. 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. Market data provided by Factset. In the interim, these shows have filled the void. The head of Disney's parks, experiences and products is now its new CEO. DeSantis published the conversation with Chapek in his memoir, The Courage to be Free: Floridas Blueprint for American Revival, shared with Fox News Digital. "Im totally fine with reining in corporations, I think theyre too many billionaires, and I think theres a wealth gap thats a problem. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. "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. Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek privately complained to Florida Gov. This year, Mr. Chapek contended with one crisis after another, some of his own making. As you might imagine, some of them are LGBTQ+ or friends/family members of those who are. To my fellow colleagues, but especially our LGBTQ+ community, thank you to all who have reached out to me sharing your pain, frustration and sadness over the companys response to the Florida Dont Say Gay bill, Chapek said in his letter. Were all familiar with the maxim that the sum is greater than the parts. But, thus far, theyve had no impact on the bottom line, as Disney just claimed its second-best park performance ever for a fiscal quarter. Park officials reeeeeaaally dont want headlines with racist chant in them. ABC NEWS SUSPENDS DAVID WRIGHT FOR REMARKS MADE IN PROJECT VERITAS VIDEO. 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. It would allow parents to sue school districts for what it perceives to be violations of this law. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The stockholder, speaking during the Q&A portion of Disneys annual shareholder meeting, noted that co-stars Pedro Pascal and Gina Carano both controversially referenced Nazi Germany in social media comments but only she was removed. And, we are committed to creating a more inclusive company and world, Chapek wrote in a memo to staff in March 2022. According to Fox News, in his book, The Courage to Be Free: Floridas Blueprint for American Revival,which will be released Tuesday, DeSantis recounts a private conversation he had last year with Chapek, who had stayed silent on the bill. In "The Courage to Be Free," the governor describes a conversation with former CEO Bob Chapek about Disney's political activities. Florida governor Ron DeSantis is calling out former Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Chapek. Critics have cited specific concerns over sections of the bill, including the vague wording about banning classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity that isnt age appropriate that goes beyond the language about kindergarten through third grade. Bob Chapek at the Pinocchio premiere in December 2022. 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. It sounds about right. But as he reflected on his answers, he realized "times change," and said he was saying no too quickly. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Meet a Disney Cast Member Advocating for Accessible Technology, Where Was Grogu During The Sequel Trilogy? In addition to pledging to enlist an outside adviser to guide the companys efforts, Chapek also is creating a companywide task force led by studios SVP Global Communications Paul Roeder and Disney Parks marketing executive Lisa Becket. 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. He is the guilty party. We are hard at work creating a new framework for our political giving that will ensure our advocacy better reflects our values. People that do something very wrong then make excuses are evil. REUTERS. REUTERS. News Analysis. (Gerardo Mora / Getty Images) Under pressure from LGBTQ activists and progressive employees some of whom who have walked out of the job in protest 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. Thats what has happened, though. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via / Getty Images). I truly believe we are an infinitely better and stronger company because of our LGBTQ+ community, he wrote. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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. Prior to working at the parks, Chapek led Disney's home entertainment business starting in 2009 and led the organization to record-setting performances. Here are Disney's major milestones under Bob Iger's leadership. Then, it required many Golden State employees to switch coasts. "Look, the world is changing dramatically, and it's important for the CEO of a company to address all of those changes rapidly," Iger said. The award winning agents at MickeyTravels are ready to help you book a truly magical vacation! (Gerardo Mora / Getty Images). TV. As the controversy over the Parental Rights in Education bill was coming to a head, Chapek called me, DeSantis writes, he did not want Disney to get involved, but he was getting a lot of pressure to weigh in against the bill.. Management has altered some aspects of the Disney vacation experience as a tactic to overcome the unprecedented challenges of March 2020 through today. Disneys decision to fold under the pressure of the lying-Left is disappointing.. 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. "Mr. Chapek seems content to stick his head in the sand when it comes to the pervasive anti-conservative bias across ABC News, just as his predecessor Mr. Iger always was. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. This story has been shared 102,949 times. We want to hear from you. Even so, Disney has strengthened the belief that its park price increases are out of control. Ron] Desantis desk vetoed. Interested in booking a Disney Vacation? I want to be crystal clear: I and the entire leadership team unequivocally stand in support of our LGBTQ+ employees, their families, and their communities. News of the postponement came as Disney CEO Bob Chapek conducted a town hall meeting for all employeesMonday. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek privately complained to Florida Gov. Its only temporary and has nothing to do with the content of the comments. https://1792exchange.com/spotlightreports/. New Disney CEO Bob Chapek was confronted by an investor about ongoing issues at ABC News on Wednesday, but the high-powered executive brushed off the criticism, and the investor then blasted him for having his "head in the sand when it comes to the pervasive anti-conservative bias across ABC News.". 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. 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. Home; Video; Trump Investigations; Right Wing Extremism; Opinion; Impeachment; Corruption; Foreign Policy; It didnt happen long ago, so we should all remember how they behaved. I am sorry.. Carano last month raised the issue of a double standard in an interview with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, noting that Pascal was not fired for a 2018 tweet comparing undocumented children in cages in the U.S. to Jews in concentration camps. He states his positions situationally for his personal profit. Send us a tip using our annonymous form. So, Disney had to do many of these things, and I would agree with you. ", FLORIDA REPUBLICANS CONDEMN 'WOKE' DISNEY, URGE MORE BOYCOTTS BY CONSERVATIVES AGAINST THE 'ACTIVIST MACHINE'. 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. The original town hall event was announced on March 2, and then on Friday was moved to today so people could attend Tuesdays walkout if they so chose. When everything is fine, but you unintentionally create your own drama, thats a sign that youre your own worst enemy. Not coincidentally, Chapeks naivet has already caused Disney to take shots from the left AND right on two different matters. WATCH LIVE WATCH IN THE APP. Chapek is a liar. A growing number of participants in the retreat were expressing reluctance with pressing ahead given the climate at the company. (ABC/ RANDY SAGER). 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. this site provides a list of businesses that are too woke and could cancel a client or a contract just for ones opinions on LGBTQ or race or something like that. He then transitioned to the company's consumer products team in 2011 as president of Disney consumer products. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via / Getty Images). Still, if the economy ever suddenly suffered a setback, this unforced error would magnify in scope. Michael Arnold. And I think thats a world we should all live in harmony and peace., Disney+ Tops 100 Million Subscribers , CEO Bob Chapek Says. 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 Disney CEO Bob Chapek downplayed criticism of ABC News. 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. With Jobs, Iger said he "was never disappointed" with Disney's integration of Pixar. Iger said he had to convince founders that he wouldn't disappoint them after completing an acquisition. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, They allegedly alsomade the workplace environment hostile. We cant say if he told DeSantis, but why wouldnt he tell him? Iger credited his ability to get founders to sell him assets to his intense focus on building personal relationships. 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. Disney employees skew toward the pro-vaccine and anti-Dont Say Gay side, which is California, not Florida. I think change, I think generally speaking, change is good. Bob Chapek was tapped on Tuesday to succeedlong-time Disney CEO Bob Iger. 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 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. The tech companies and entertainment companies here who have an influential presence across the country and around the world have an important role to play in fighting state-sanctioned discrimination wherever it exists., Madison said the country is at a tipping point, similar to the 2016 HB2 anti-trans bathroom legislation, or the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, in North Carolina and pointed to how companies that refused to expand business in the state, they pulled out of conferences, they canceled events impacted the fate of that bill. 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. Chapek absolutely should have spoken with her first. "Once we did the deal, in fact, in the months before he died he came to he and his wife, Laurene, came to our house. watch now. 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.". Many of them have led to price increases. Disney has gotten too expensive.. Im a devout believer that the least excusable mistakes stem from self-inflicted wounds and unforced errors. This priority caused him to lose sight of the challenges in working with Hollywood talents. REUTERS. What Is Bob Chapek Political Party? Chief executive Bob Chapek doesnt think so. 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?
