Disney CEO Bob Chapek Announces Pause for Political Giving in Florida

After weeks of inner strife and exterior controversy surrounding the Walt Disney Firm’s lack of public response to the “Don’t Say Homosexual” laws in Florida, CEO Bob Chapek introduced in an organization e mail on Friday that Disney will pause all political donations within the state throughout a restructuring of its political giving framework.

Chapek additionally apologized on to the corporate’s LGBTQ workers for his broadly criticized messaging on the difficulty.

“It’s clear that this isn’t simply a difficulty a few invoice in Florida, however as a substitute one more problem to fundamental human rights,” Chapek wrote. “You wanted me to be a stronger ally within the combat for equal rights and I allow you to down. I’m sorry.”

The controversy erupted into public view on Monday after a company-wide e mail despatched by Chapek concerning the “Don’t Say Homosexual” invoice was met with criticism not simply from outdoors observers however rank-and-file Disney workers, a unprecedented rupture of Disney’s tightly managed public messaging. Whereas Chapek expressed “unwavering dedication to the LGBTQ+ neighborhood,” he mentioned that he had chosen to not take a public stance on the laws.

“The largest influence we are able to have in making a extra inclusive world is thru the inspiring content material we produce, the welcoming tradition we create right here and the varied neighborhood organizations we assist, together with these representing the LGBTQ+ neighborhood,” he wrote.

Chapek additionally mentioned within the Monday memo that Disney had not donated to politicians particularly relating to the “Don’t Say Homosexual” invoice, however that they had contributed to “Republican and Democrat legislators who’ve subsequently taken positions on either side of the laws.”

Right here is the complete textual content of Chapek’s Friday e mail:

To my fellow colleagues, however particularly our LGBTQ+ neighborhood,

Thanks to all who’ve reached out to me sharing your ache, frustration and unhappiness over the corporate’s response to the Florida “Don’t Say Homosexual” invoice. Talking to you, studying your messages, and assembly with you could have helped me higher perceive how painful our silence was. It’s clear that this isn’t simply a difficulty a few invoice in Florida, however as a substitute one more problem to fundamental human rights. You wanted me to be a stronger ally within the combat for equal rights and I allow you to down. I’m sorry.

Our workers see the ability of this nice firm as a chance to do good. I agree. Sure, we have to use our affect to advertise that good by telling inclusive tales, but in addition by standing up for the rights of all.

Beginning instantly, we’re rising our assist for advocacy teams to fight comparable laws in different states. We’re onerous at work creating a brand new framework for our political giving that can guarantee our advocacy higher displays our values. And right this moment, we’re pausing all political donations within the state of Florida pending this assessment. However, I do know there’s a lot extra work to be finished. I’m dedicated to this work and to you all, and can proceed to have interaction with the LGBTQ+ neighborhood in order that I can develop into a greater ally. You’ll hear extra about our progress within the coming weeks.

I really consider we’re an infinitely higher and stronger firm due to our LGBTQ+ neighborhood. I missed the mark on this case however am an ally you’ll be able to depend on—and I will probably be an outspoken champion for the protections, visibility, and alternative you deserve.

Bob

Extra to return.

Share your ideas on this submit