), 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. Specialty Preview, Ozy Media Closes In Wake Of Founder Carlos Watson Scandal, TikTok Introduces New Feature To Limit Screen Time For Teens, 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. He states his positions situationally for his personal profit. DeSantis backs down from his commitment to doing whats best for Floridas children and parents. Then, it required many Golden State employees to switch coasts. REUTERS. So, Disney purchased nearly 60 acres of land in Lake Nona, Florida. Disney did not return requests for comment. 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. Then, the CEO found himself in a public spat with Floridas governor, who recognized an opportunity to score cheap political points off Disney. Bob Chapek All rights reserved. The law states that we can store cookies on your device if they are strictly necessary for the operation of this site. Of course, nobody does that unless they understand political machinations. We need you to be there for us when it is hard and when it counts.. Initially, complaints arose about the fact that Disney wasnt letting the drill team wear their headdresses. Chapek is credited for bringing Disney's home entertainment division into the digital ag By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Im with the President on this! Igerwrote. 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. The thought process here stems from the high cost of real estate in California relative to Florida. 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. And if that doesnt happen, to get these bills repealed, she added. "Over time, I started listening less and maybe with a little less tolerance of other people's opinions, maybe because of getting a little bit more overconfident in my own, which is sometimes what happens when you get built up," Iger told CNBC's David Faber in an exclusive interview. pic.twitter.com/OWsGTUoeCA, Christopher F. Rufo (@realchrisrufo) March 29, 2022, SCOOP: Ive obtained video from inside Disneys all-hands meeting about the Florida parental rights bill, in which executive producer Latoya Raveneau says her team has implemented a not-at-all-secret gay agenda and is regularly adding queerness to childrens programming. People that do something very wrong then make excuses are evil. Bob Chapek New Trailer Drops For Olaf Short Once Upon A Snowman, Wine Bar George at Disney Springs Offering Brunch Starting March 30th. The event concluded with a fireside chat from Nadine Smith of Equality Florida and Latondra Newton, Disneys Chief Diversity Officer. 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.". Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. March 7th, 2022 Then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek comments further on the matter via an internal Disney memo. How Disney and CEO Bob Chapek made a mess of the companys Would love your thoughts, please comment. Ron Beliefs like that hurt the brand. In truth, the only decision I believe Disney shouldnt have made is the removal of Magical Express. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Disney named Chapek the new CEO last month after Iger abruptly stepped down. As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com As a new CEO, he was easily victimized. 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.". Iger said he had to convince founders that he wouldn't disappoint them after completing an acquisition. Disney CEO Bob Chapek downplayed criticism of ABC News. Prior to working at the parks, Chapek led Disney's home entertainment business starting in 2009 and led the organization to record-setting performances. Disney CEO Told DeSantis He Didnt Want to Do It. Ron] Desantis desk vetoed. Robert Chapek - $11,106 in Political Contributions for 2016 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 Unfortunately, theresnothing inclusive about the Dont Say Gay bill. 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 I was glad to speak to Bob yesterday afternoon, and we had a very productive conversation about the need for Disney to put real muscle into stopping whats happening to their employees and to their fans.. 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.. WATCH LIVE WATCH IN THE APP. 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. It wasn't the reason I left, but it was a contributing factor.". (AP Photo/Kin Cheung / AP Newsroom). The Parental Rights in Education bill has passed the Florida Legislature and awaits the signature of Gov. Its gut-check time for every CEO and company [in] America. 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. Meet a Disney Cast Member Advocating for Accessible Technology, Where Was Grogu During The Sequel Trilogy? Its going to be a recurring theme here. Send us a tip using our annonymous form. The Mickey-Shaped Treats Trending Right Now! All Rights Reserved. Home; Video; Trump Investigations; Right Wing Extremism; Opinion; Impeachment; Corruption; Foreign Policy; It sounds about right. For all other types of cookies we need your permission. A Division of NBCUniversal. Iger sat down for an exclusive interview with CNBC's David Faber. WATCH: Disney's Bob Iger turns CEO job to Chapek. We want to hear from you. But as he reflected on his answers, he realized "times change," and said he was saying no too quickly. That argument is correct, independent of where you may fall on the political spectrum. Occupy Democrats is a political organization and information website that provides a new counterbalance to the Republican Tea Party. Source: ", Nothing in the Florida legislation itself mentions the word gay. He said the company was increasing support for advocacy A Complete Timeline of the Battle Between Gov. Ron DeSantis and Before joining Disney, Chapek worked in brand management at ketchup maker H.J. Disney shareholder tells CEO Chapek to stop wasting money on Original story, Wednesday morning: Disney CEO Bob Chapek said during the companys shareholders meeting on Wednesday that he will be meeting with Florida Gov. Not coincidentally, Chapeks naivet has already caused Disney to take shots from the left AND right on two different matters. In "The Courage to Be Free," the governor describes a conversation with former CEO Bob Chapek about Disney's political activities. All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved. It sounds about right. 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. ABC NEWS SUSPENDS DAVID WRIGHT FOR REMARKS MADE IN PROJECT VERITAS VIDEO. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. 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. Bob He lied and supported the victimization of children. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Richard Drew, File. Employees were walking out in protest and ranting to the media. Chapek is a liar. On top of the stock woes, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has become a punching bag for cultural critics. 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 Chapek has been overseeing the company's parks, experiences and products division since those divisions were combined in 2018. I feel terrible about it. At Corporate Pep Rally, Disney CEO Pitches Warmer, Fuzzier Side Bob Chapek Prior to 2016, Bob Igers political party was Democratic Independent (2016present). 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. Disney chief executive Bob Chapek speaks during a ceremony on Sept. 11, 2015, at Hong Kong Disneyland. The company did this after adding a Fifth Key last year, Inclusion. DeSantis wrotethat Chapek and Disney ultimately caved to leftist media and activist pressure and pressed the false narrative against the bill.. Disney chief executive Bob Chapek speaks during a ceremony on Sept. 11, 2015, at Hong Kong Disneyland. During the pandemic, Disney has ramped up its usage of high school performers at theme parks, especially Magic Kingdom. Ron DeSantis over the pressure he was facing to weigh in against Floridas Parental Bob Chapek was initially silent on Floridas controversial bill barring discussions of gender identity in school classrooms. Kathleen Kennedy Cites Impact Of Women, Artists Of Color And LGBTQ On Industry Amid Disney Dont Say Gay Backlash PGA Awards. The bias is blatant.. 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. The Florida bill hasnt factored into investors views as of yet, though the companys stock has been languishing near a 52-week low. Bob Chapek The bill bars teachers from discussingLGBTQtopics like sexual orientation or gender identity with students until after third grade. However, in the wake of the Dont Say Gay legislation, such a move feels like a betrayal of their values. The exec is continuing to try to put the company on more stable footing after its response to Floridas Dont Say Gay bill met with fierce backlash internally and in influential pockets of the talent community. Iger and the Disney board's decision to give Chapek the job surprised Wall Street and Disney executives, especially after Iger had repeatedly pushed off his retirement to stay as Disney's CEO. 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. Legal Statement. Some folks took offense at that, which isdefinitely a take. ", Nathanson said the selection of Chapek was not a surprise and a "win-win for the company.". 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. Chapek allegedly told him he didnt want to get involved but hadnt seen anything like it, but thats not what he said in public. 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. I can assure you of that. FLORIDIOT: DeSantis Disney lackey thinks tap water makes you gay. Critics have depicted the bill as hurtful to LGBTQ inclusiveness and dubbed it the "Don't Say Gay" bill. Bob Chapek 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. Everyone struggles with adversity. Disney Chairman Bob Iger is leaving the company at the end of the month. 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. Bob Chapek Colleagues perceive former CEO Bob Iger as a highly political person with an acute mind for such situations. But Im an ally you can count on, and I will be an outspoken champion for the protections, visibility and opportunity you deserve.. 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. Bob Chapek Staunchly Opposed To Politics, Will Not Comment Amid the melee, DeSantis issued a warning over Disney getting involved in the legislation. It fit into the larger corporate campaign known as Reimagine Tomorrow, which aims to emphasize Disneys commitment to diversity and inclusion. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The head of Disney's parks, experiences and products is now its new CEO. He was the Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek privately complained to Florida Gov. Iger will assume the role of executive chairman. In March, Disney became entangled in a heated dispute with Gov. Why Disney Wont Say Much About Floridas Dont Say Gay Bill Thanks to a reportedly massive payment Disney sent to Johansson, the two parties have since made up. 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. He agreed that the company should stand up more for the LGBTQ+ community in pursuit of more meaningful and lasting change. All of the companys three major content suppliers Marvel, Pixar and Lucasfilm have been publicly critical of the companys handling of the situation. News Analysis. 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. Chapek absolutely should have spoken with her first. The pressure from the WOKE cancel culture was vicious. Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. He is the guilty party. As such, he should have known how Hollywood works. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Bob Chapek was tapped on Tuesday to succeedlong-time Disney CEO Bob Iger. ", FLORIDA REPUBLICANS CONDEMN 'WOKE' DISNEY, URGE MORE BOYCOTTS BY CONSERVATIVES AGAINST THE 'ACTIVIST MACHINE'. Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites. "It's development of a relationship," Iger said. We are hard at work creating a new framework for our political giving that will ensure our advocacy better reflects our values. Behind the scenes, I was not, as a father of children ages five, four, and two, comfortable with the continuation of Disneys special arrangement, DeSantis wrote in his memoir. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis. Bob Chapek (C) Chairman of Parks, Experiences, and Products for the Walt Disney Company speaks during the dedication ceremony for the "Rise of the Resistance" attraction opening at Galaxy's Edge at Disneys Hollywood Studios on December 04, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. Michael Arnold. Asked if the Florida GOP wanted to comment about Disneys decision to pull contributions, Helen Aguirre Ferre, executive director of the party, wrote in an email: There is no world in which Gov. 2023 CNBC LLC. Chapeks ill-considered ruling last year would force those people to move to a place where they already feel unwelcome. 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.. Squawk Box. Still, if the economy ever suddenly suffered a setback, this unforced error would magnify in scope. Bob Chapek at the Pinocchio premiere in December 2022. Chapek has also personally condemned the bill most vigorously, albeit a week too late. Bob Chapek DeSantis cements takeover of Disney's special Florida district, Disney CEO Bob Chapek Announces Pause for Political Giving in Alas, Chapek fell too deeply in love with the idea of increasing Disney+ subscriber numbers. Market data provided by Factset. Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek privately complained to Florida Gov. bob chapek political party Disney CEO Bob Chapek gets close to GOP lawmakers ahead of Greg Abbott on a different front. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Disney has since stated it will no longer donate to political campaigns. Who would have ever thought Walts dream would be so screwed up. News Analysis. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Bob Chapek This priority caused him to lose sight of the challenges in working with Hollywood talents. 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. Employees were walking out in protest and ranting to the media. Get latest updates political news from Central Florida and across the state. Disney CEO Bob Chapek gets close to GOP lawmakers ahead of Here are Disney's major milestones under Bob Iger's leadership. 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. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. "Bob is probably the best qualified person in the company to take this job," Michael Nathanson, senior research analyst at MoffettNathanson, said on CNBC's "Closing Bell" Tuesday. "Bob [Chapek] is going to address them probably differently perhaps than I may have. What Is Bob Chapek Political Party? - vimbuzz.com It sounds about right. Disney CEO Bob Chapek now claims he wants the company to be everything for everyone after he caved to the woke mob and fought the anti-grooming law in Florida. He got played here. When everything is fine, but you unintentionally create your own drama, thats a sign that youre your own worst enemy. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Chapek has a career as an American media executive. 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. We get pressured all the time, Chapek told DeSantis, according to the governors book. Bob Chapek (ABC/ RANDY SAGER). People are questioning DeSantiss comments. Additionally, the outbreak continues to threaten the global economy and worldwide travel. This story has been shared 151,093 times. There is no question that Chapek was under tremendous pressure. 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. Many of the calls March 7th, 2022 Then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek comments further on the matter via an internal Disney memo. Chapek has been overseeing the company's parks, experiences and products division since those divisions were combined in 2018. Ray Keating, an economist and editor of DisneyBizJournal.com, said when companies dive into politics, it rarely turns out and well. 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. 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. Justin Danhof, the general counsel for the National Center for Public Policy Research, cited data showing ABC News is overwhelmingly negative toward President Trump and mentioned other scandals that have come out of the news division in recent memory when speaking to Chapek at the company's annual investor's meeting. All Rights Reserved. This choice cost her tens of millions of dollars, as her contract rewarded her with a split of box office revenue. Disney suspends political contributions in Florida as CEO Everyone knew that was a lie. Shares of the company fell less than 2% in extending trading Tuesday. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Iger said he spent months personally getting to know Apple and Pixar founder Steve Jobs, Star Wars' creator George Lucas, former Marvel Chairman Ike Perlmutter and Fox controlling shareholder Rupert Murdoch. 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.. Powered and implemented byFactSet Digital Solutions. 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. 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.. 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. This caused #FireGinaCarano to trend and eventually, she was. Those three acquisitions, which cost Disney roughly $15 billion, combined, turned Disney into an intellectual property behemoth. DeSantis in new book says Disney CEO complained of pressure In short, this debacle was totally avoidable. (Getty Images. And, we are committed to creating a more inclusive company and world, Chapek wrote in a memo to staff in March 2022. At this point, I felt confident he knew what he was doing because that was the right move. Ron DeSantis over the pressure he was facing to weigh in against Floridas Parental Rights Education bill, known as the Dont Say Gay bill, according to DeSantis new memoir. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, FLORIDIOT: DeSantis Disney lackey thinks tap water makes you gay. ABC News declined to comment when reached by Fox News. Bob Chapek downplays ABC News' scandals Bob Chapek Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek privately complained to Florida Gov. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided byRefinitiv Lipper. 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. If Disney had merely maintained the status quo, a multi-coastal business operation, none of these headlines would dominate the media. I havent seen anything like this before.. HB 1557/SB 1834, dubbed the Dont Say Gay bill,would seek to ban classroom discussion on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade and has been labeled a government censorship bill by the ACLU of Florida. Bob Chapek's time as the CEO of Disney has been tumultuous, to say the least. 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.