Disney CEO Bob Chapek Addresses Controversy Over “Don’t Say Gay” Bill

Disney is working to increase inclusion within the company and beyond in many ways. From adjusting company values to changing Cast Member uniform requirements, they have continued to become more inclusive and supportive of diversity.

Recently, however, the Walt Disney Company has been in the spotlight for donating to politicians who support the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida and for neglecting to speak out against this bill. Although Disney released a short statement in response to protests and calls to action, many feel that CEO Bob Chapek and the company need to do more. Now, Chapek has sent a memo to Disney employees explaining the company’s stance on the issue and refusal to comment.

If you’re unfamiliar with the “Don’t Say Gay” bill and surrounding controversy, you can read our full post about the issue here.

Click here to learn about the “Don’t Say Gay” bill and Disney’s response.

Disney has not issued a public statement condemning the proposed bill (which has passed in both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate and will continue to the desk of Governor Ron DeSantis next). For this reason, many are criticizing current leadership and their lack of action.

In response, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has sent a memo to Disney employees explaining the lack of public statement about this issue. Brooks Barnes of the New York Times reported on this statement, among other news sites.

In Chapek’s note, he reported that he met with Disney LGBTQ+ leaders to “discuss controversial legislation pending in Florida that would impact their communities.” During this meeting, those leaders expressed “disappointment that the company has not issued a public statement condemning the legislation.”

While not expressly condemning the bill, Chapek noted that he “and the entire leadership team unequivocally stand in support of our LGBTQ+ employees, their families, and their communities.” Chapek said, “I do not want anyone to mistake a lack of a statement for a lack of support.”

He cited Disney content such as Encanto, Black Panther, Pose, Modern Family, Shang-Chi, Summer of Soul, and Love, Victor as evidence of the company’s continued support of diverse groups. Chapek said, “These and all of our diverse stories are our corporate statements.” In essence, Chapek prefers to comment on controversial events through storytelling and content rather than getting directly involved with the political conversation.

In addition, the CEO pointed to donations to LGBTQ+ organizations, support of events such as Pride parades, and a long-standing 100% rating from the Human Rights Campaign as further evidence of the company’s support.  Chapek said, “We are and will continue to be a leader in supporting organizations that champion diversity.”

In addressing the reason for a lack of public statement condemning the controversial bill, 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 also said that the Disney company has donated to politicians on both sides of the bill and that Disney’s new Chief Corporate Affairs Officer “will be reassessing our advocacy strategies around the world.”

The Disney company is holding a Reimagine Tomorrow Summit this year, and Chapek said that they will have “a more fulsome conversation about this” at that event.

It seems that Disney may not comment publicly about Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, but based on Chapek’s memo, we could expect to see more commentary about the issue in new content from the company.

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Click here to learn more about Disney and the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

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