That philosophy applies to Disneys park behavior during the pandemic as well. 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. Asked about Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy, Chapek said he is absolutely thrilled with her and the company looks forward to having Kathy directing the activities of the entire Lucasfilm operation for many years to come.. Danhof, who has shown up to Disney shareholder meetings to ask fiery questions in the past, told Chapek that he had been imploring former CEO Bob Iger to address ABC News issues for years. And so, its like theres no upside, or our bosses dont see an upside in doing the job were supposed to do, which is to speak truth to power and hold people accountable.. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Disney did not return requests for comment. Ron DeSantis, who accused the company of being woke a day earlier for opposing the bill. Get latest updates political news from Central Florida and across the state. 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. He was the New York CNN . 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. Employees were walking out in protest and ranting to the media. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. "It's development of a relationship," Iger said. Got a confidential news tip? I consent to the use of following cookies: Necessary cookies help make a website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website. Critics have depicted the bill as hurtful to LGBTQ inclusiveness and dubbed it the "Don't Say Gay" bill. Thats not even a dig on Chapek. Political Party Stances; 51% : Florida Gov. Initially, complaints arose about the fact that Disney wasnt letting the drill team wear their headdresses. 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'. Everyone knew that was a lie. Chapek is credited for bringing Disney's home entertainment division into the digital ag 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.". It is clear that this is not just an issue about a bill in Florida, but instead yet another challenge to basic human rights, Chapek said at the time. 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. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Richard Drew, File. 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. Some folks took offense at that, which isdefinitely a take. Source: (AP Photo/Kin Cheung / AP Newsroom). When you face challenges and screw up, thats totally understandable. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Labeledby opponentsas the Dont Say Gay bill, the legislation effectively bans discussion or teaching about the LGBTQ+ community and sexual orientation or gender identity in the states public school system from kindergarten to the third grade. "If I werent a shareholder, Id find it amusing. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. 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. He will officially give up his chairman role at the end of the year. 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. Unfortunately, theresnothing inclusive about the Dont Say Gay bill. WATCH LIVE WATCH IN THE APP. In "The Courage to Be Free," the governor describes a conversation with former CEO Bob Chapek about Disney's political activities. Bob Chapek was tapped on Tuesday to succeed long-time Disney CEO Bob Iger. He agreed that the company should stand up more for the LGBTQ+ community in pursuit of more meaningful and lasting change. The controversial Project Veritas is the same group that published footage of ABC anchor Amy Robach claiming ABC News executives killeda story that would have exposed the now-deceased sex offenderJeffrey Epsteinthree years ago. Chapek's promotion comes at a time when Disney is facing challenges from the global coronavirus outbreak. 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 Then, Chapek prioritized Disney+ as the core business model for the entire company. (ABC/ RANDY SAGER). We need you to be there for us when it is hard and when it counts.. In that role, he reorganized the business to cut costs and oversaw a number of popular toy crazes from franchises like "Frozen.". Cookies are small text files that can be used by websites to make a user's experience more efficient. Colleagues perceive former CEO Bob Iger as a highly political person with an acute mind for such situations. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox. Iger also discussed his strategy around buying animation studio Pixar, comic book and action hero company Marvel Entertainment, and Lucasfilm, home of Star Wars. This story has been shared 151,093 times. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Disneys decision to fold under the pressure of the lying-Left is disappointing.. 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. Bob Iger, the former Disney CEO whose decades-long tenure at the company ended in December, tweeted his opposition to the legislation weeks ago. Michael Arnold. (Gerardo Mora / Getty Images). 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. DeSantis signed the bill into law last March 28, which prompted Disney to publicly rip the new law and stand with Disneys LGBTQ employees and advocates in Florida. Disney CEO Told DeSantis He Didnt Want to Do It. 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. https://1792exchange.com/spotlightreports/. Were all familiar with the maxim that the sum is greater than the parts. News of the postponement came as Disney CEO Bob Chapek conducted a town hall meeting for all employeesMonday. Disney named Chapek the new CEO last month after Iger abruptly stepped down. But this time is different. Copyright 2021, Launchpad Digital Network, LLC. Wright was recently disciplined by higher-ups at ABC News. Disney has since stated it will no longer donate to political campaigns. The Mickey-Shaped Treats Trending Right Now! It sounds about right. Shares of the company fell less than 2% in extending trading Tuesday. And today we are opposing all political donations in the state of Florida pending this review.. 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. 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. Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. It fit into the larger corporate campaign known as Reimagine Tomorrow, which aims to emphasize Disneys commitment to diversity and inclusion. Period. Iger will assume the role of executive chairman. October 26, 2021 at 5:36 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.". 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. Earlier this month, in an email to employees, Chapek apologized to workers for letting you down by not being more of an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. The intention is to display ads that are relevant and engaging for the individual user and thereby more valuable for publishers and third party advertisers. Prior to 2016, Bob Igers political party was Democratic Independent (2016present). Disney CEO Bob Chapek admitted at Disneys 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders that he had been actively opposing the bill through back channels despite previously sending out an email to his employees claiming the company would not be taking a stance on the bill. That argument is correct, independent of where you may fall on the political spectrum. A growing number of participants in the retreat were expressing reluctance with pressing ahead given the climate at the company. Its even possible that nobody was seriously vetting at all. When Chapek took the job as head of Disney, critics lamented his lack of experience with the Hollywood studio system. 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. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! ABC News anchor Amy Robach was recorded on a hot mic claiming the network spiked a story exposing Jeffrey Epstein three years ago. 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. Bob Chapek was tapped on Tuesday to succeedlong-time Disney CEO Bob Iger. 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. Management has altered some aspects of the Disney vacation experience as a tactic to overcome the unprecedented challenges of March 2020 through today. 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. 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. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek privately complained to Florida Gov. Chapek cared too much about his needs and not enough about those of others. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. All Rights Reserved. Chapek is a liar. 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. Chapeks initial responses to the bill were tepid at best, as he wanted to maintain solid relationships with the legislators. Everything else is justifiable. Chapek walked back his previous statement to employees that the company could fight against bigotry through its creative content, saying Disney needed to be standing up for the rights of all.. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. Everyone struggles with adversity. He got played here. Market data provided by Factset. Most of the decisions appear understandable in isolation. The other way that Disney got hit from the left and right happened last week. Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. And, we are committed to creating a more inclusive company and world, Chapek wrote in a memo to staff in March 2022. Bob Chapek was tapped on Tuesday to succeed long-time Disney CEO Bob Iger. Legal Statement. 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. Kathleen Kennedy Cites Impact Of Women, Artists Of Color And LGBTQ On Industry Amid Disney Dont Say Gay Backlash PGA Awards. 2016 Election Cycle. We have a multi-language translator on the top left. The nearly century-old company has been dragged for becoming too politically correct, famously clashing with Republican It sounds about right. 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. All rights reserved. Californias governor has similarly stated his desire to keep Disney on the West Coast in a place that actually represents the values of your workers.. 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. WebBob Chapek. Alas, Chapek fell too deeply in love with the idea of increasing Disney+ subscriber numbers. 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. Abbott issued an order, which was blocked by a state judge, to have parents investigated for potential child abuse charges if their transgender children receive hormone blockers. It wasn't the reason I left, but it was a contributing factor.". 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 All Rights Reserved. Ousted Disney chief executive Bob Chapek is set to receive a hefty paycheck following his exit. I am sorry.. News Analysis. DeSantis wrotethat Chapek and Disney ultimately caved to leftist media and activist pressure and pressed the false narrative against the bill.. Who would have ever thought Walts dream would be so screwed up. These cast members were already reticent to uproot their lives for Disney. "I didn't do the deal myself, but it was singular in terms of the pursuit one on one in some cases being as candid as I possibly could be, and I think as authentic as I could be, and developing a relationship, even if it was developed over a relatively brief period of time.". The kind of people who were the jokes on Portlandia are now in charge of producing childrens entertainment in America https://t.co/auyihRcdnO, SCOOP: Disney diversity and inclusion manager Vivian Ware says the company has eliminated all mentions of ladies, gentlemen, boys, and girls in its theme parks in order to create that magical moment for children who do not identify with traditional gender roles. Questionable decision-making and actions by Disney post-covid may be why a petition to fire Bob Chapek has been brought to fruition. WATCH: Disney's Bob Iger turns CEO job to Chapek. ", Florida Gov. Thanks to a reportedly massive payment Disney sent to Johansson, the two parties have since made up. All Rights Reserved. This priority caused him to lose sight of the challenges in working with Hollywood talents. Ron DeSantis. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis. Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek privately complained to Florida Gov. 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.) 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. On Monday, Disney and CEO Bob Chapek sent an internal memo following reports that the company had donated thousands of dollars to Florida representatives The bill bars teachers from discussingLGBTQtopics like sexual orientation or gender identity with students until after third grade. Powered and implemented byFactSet Digital Solutions. The political mistake ties back to a previous choice. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. Bob Iger, the former Disney CEO whose decades-long tenure at the company ended in December, tweeted his opposition to the legislation weeks ago. Ron] Desantis desk vetoed. VIDEO 3:58 03:58. 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? He also played a key role in the commercialization of the studio's film business. Thats what has happened, though. In addition to what all Americans witness on a daily basis, Project Veritas has recently exposed numerous examples of ABC journalists admitting that the network bosses repeatedly spike positive stories on President Trump, Danhof said. DeSantis signed the legislation into law this week that bars instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Legal Statement. What Is Bob Chapek Political Party? But Im an ally you can count on, and I will be an outspoken champion for the protections, visibility and opportunity you deserve.. 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. November 21, 2022 by Mary Bob Chapek was born Robert Alan Chapek on August 21, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. 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. Not coincidentally, Chapeks naivet has already caused Disney to take shots from the left AND right on two different matters. There is no question that Chapek was under tremendous pressure. 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? FLORIDIOT: DeSantis Disney lackey thinks tap water makes you gay. Disney CEO Bob Iger, Here are Disney's major milestones under Bob Iger's leadership, Iger had repeatedly pushed off his retirement. Even so, Disney has strengthened the belief that its park price increases are out of control. 11. Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek privately complained to Florida Gov. Would love your thoughts, please comment. 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. 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. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. All Rights Reserved. He was the executive, he executes policy, no one else. Iger, 70, is leaving Disney after running the company from 2005 to 2020. 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. This year, Mr. Chapek contended with one crisis after another, some of his own making. Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Chapek apologized to employees at the company for the companys handling of Floridas so-called Dont Say Gay bill and said that it would "Right now, the course that Bob has laid is one that we fully intend to follow and I think will pay dividends for our shareholders for years to come," he said. The thought process here stems from the high cost of real estate in California relative to Florida. "I became a little bit more dismissive of other people's opinions than I should have been," said Iger. Chapek is far less publicly political than his predecessor, who once considered a run for the Democratic nomination for president. REUTERS. This performance should never have gone forward. I can assure you of that. 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.. Instead, DeSantis blasted the company as woke and in bed with Chinese communists at an exclusive event publicized on Fox News. All rights reserved. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via / Getty Images). Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek privately complained to Florida Gov. Disney CEO Bob Chapek has had private phone calls this year with House Republican leaders including House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La. Knowing my grandchildren will never experienced true Disney magic without political agendas. In "The Courage to Be Free," the governor describes a conversation with former CEO Bob Chapek about Disney's political activities. He is the guilty party. Got a confidential news tip? "His history in all the divisions that really matter really is very supportive of him taking on that role. "Bob's legacy in the company is just profound. Timing 'surprising' says senior analyst on Bob Iger stepping down. 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. Disney has gotten too expensive.. 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. 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. This caused #FireGinaCarano to trend and eventually, she was. The Parental Rights in Education bill has passed the Florida Legislature and awaits the signature of Gov. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. Florida governor Ron DeSantis is calling out former Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Chapek. If passed, this bill will put vulnerable, young LGBTQ people in jeopardy., Biden had tweeted his opposition to legislation designed to attack LGBTQI+ kids.. Ever since Chapek spoke up, critics on the right have condemned Disney as being too "woke" and even talked of boycotting the resort. Chapek has also personally condemned the bill most vigorously, albeit a week too late. Everyone was attacking Governor DeSantis with bald-faced lies, and he was the one who stood for what he believed. A source familiar with the situation told The Hollywood Reporter that HRC is still in active discussions with Disney around Chapeks initial financial pledge as well as the companys ongoing action around state legislation. Its only temporary and has nothing to do with the content of the comments. What I suspect is that the people who formerly approved such shows arent with the company now. Meet a Disney Cast Member Advocating for Accessible Technology, Where Was Grogu During The Sequel Trilogy? 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. Wright then expounded at length on his political views. You can look at the comments section for any Disney discussion, and its an inevitable statement from some. At this point, I felt confident he knew what he was doing because that was the right move. As a new CEO, he was easily victimized. Many of them have led to price increases. We've received your submission. Before joining Disney, Chapek worked in brand management at ketchup maker H.J. Disney chief executive Bob Chapek speaks during a ceremony on Sept. 11, 2015, at Hong Kong Disneyland. 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. 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." News Analysis. Employees were walking out in protest and ranting to the media. Then, the CEO found himself in a public spat with Floridas governor, who recognized an opportunity to score cheap political points off Disney. Some cookies are placed by third party services that appear on our pages. Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek last year complained to Florida Gov. Many of the calls Earlier in the week, Chapek said DeSantis had agreed to meet with him to ensure the bill wouldnt be weaponized against the LGBTQ community. "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. The bias is blatant.. Im a devout believer that the least excusable mistakes stem from self-inflicted wounds and unforced errors. 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. However, one of them provedregrettable. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. That has become increasingly important as streaming video slowly replaces linear pay TV and movie theaters as the dominant form of entertainment distribution. All Rights Reserved. 02:12. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Occupy Democrats is a political organization and information website that provides a new counterbalance to the Republican Tea Party. 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.