The email said a member of his staff would hand-deliver a copy of the bill to Disneys Orlando headquarters and asked for gas money to get him there. 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. Bob Chapek was tapped on Tuesday to succeed long-time Disney CEO Bob Iger. Iger planned to run for POTUS at one point. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Many of the workers who have agreed to go to Florida remain in California for the time being. As you might imagine, some of them are LGBTQ+ or friends/family members of those who are. I think change, I think generally speaking, change is good. Who would have ever thought Walts dream would be so screwed up. Additionally, the outbreak continues to threaten the global economy and worldwide travel. Here are Disney's major milestones under Bob Iger's leadership. Disney has intentionally left some fans behind, but it may need them later. Its only temporary and has nothing to do with the content of the comments. Political Party Stances; 51% : Florida Gov. 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. Bob Iger, the former Disney CEO whose decades-long tenure at the company ended in December, tweeted his opposition to the legislation weeks ago. Knowing my grandchildren will never experienced true Disney magic without political agendas. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. Occupy Democrats is a political organization and information website that provides a new counterbalance to the Republican Tea Party. But DeSantis pushed on, signing a law to strip Disney World of its Reedy Creek control on Monday. As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com Management has altered some aspects of the Disney vacation experience as a tactic to overcome the unprecedented challenges of March 2020 through today. 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. WATCH LIVE WATCH IN THE APP. 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. 2023 CNBC LLC. 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 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. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 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. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox. 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.. All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved. 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.". Bob Chapek was initially silent on Floridas controversial bill barring discussions of gender identity in school classrooms. But that's neither good nor bad. Meet a Disney Cast Member Advocating for Accessible Technology, Where Was Grogu During The Sequel Trilogy? When everything is fine, but you unintentionally create your own drama, thats a sign that youre your own worst enemy. All rights reserved. In March, Disney became entangled in a heated dispute with Gov. Chapek has been overseeing the company's parks, experiences and products division since those divisions were combined in 2018. A Division of NBCUniversal. During the evening, Charlee Corra also took the stage and announced that he along with parents Sheri and Roy P. Disney, the great-nephew of Walt Disney, would match $250,000 in donations to HRC. (Gerardo Mora / Getty Images) Under pressure from LGBTQ activists and progressive employees some of whom who have walked out of the job in protest Disney employees skew toward the pro-vaccine and anti-Dont Say Gay side, which is California, not Florida. ABC Newsrecently suspended veteran Washington correspondent David Wright for remarks he made that were captured on video byProject Veritas. The event concluded with a fireside chat from Nadine Smith of Equality Florida and Latondra Newton, Disneys Chief Diversity Officer. Florida Gov. After two tumultuous years, on November 20, Iger stepped back into the spotlight and Chapek was out. Legal Statement. During the town hall, Chapek repeated his expression of regret about the companys decision not to take a public stance against the bill, given the large number of its employees it affected. 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. Period. Speaking to you, reading your messages, and meeting with you have helped me better understand how painful our silence was, Chapek wrote. Thats not even a dig on Chapek. "I would consider myself a socialist,like I think there should be national health insurance," he said. Legal Statement. 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.) Political Campaign Contributions. But this time is different. Unclassified cookies are cookies that we are in the process of classifying, together with the providers of individual cookies. A recent CNBC article referenced Chapeks perceived lack of emotional intelligence. 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. ", Florida Gov. So, Disney purchased nearly 60 acres of land in Lake Nona, Florida. 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. TV. Ron DeSantis over the pressure he was facing to weigh in against Floridas Parental Beliefs like that hurt the brand. Ron] Desantis desk vetoed. It sounds about right. Im with the President on this! Igerwrote. Its gut-check time for every CEO and company [in] America. Chapek is far less publicly political than his predecessor, who once considered a run for the Democratic nomination for president. Disney CEO Bob Chapek is pausing all of the companys political donations in Florida following the passage of the Dont Say Gay bill, a major escalation in his feud DeSantis wrotethat Chapek and Disney ultimately caved to leftist media and activist pressure and pressed the false narrative against the bill.. WATCH: Disney's Bob Iger turns CEO job to Chapek. News of the postponement came as Disney CEO Bob Chapek conducted a town hall meeting for all employeesMonday. Initially, complaints arose about the fact that Disney wasnt letting the drill team wear their headdresses. Earlier in the week, Chapek said DeSantis had agreed to meet with him to ensure the bill wouldnt be weaponized against the LGBTQ community. The decision by the largest employer in Central Florida could have a major impact on election fundraising for both parties, and it escalates in his war of words with Gov. 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.. The more combustible of those situations unfolded over House Bill 1557, the so-called Dont Say legislation. This site uses different types of cookies. 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.. In "The Courage to Be Free," the governor describes a conversation with former CEO Bob Chapek about Disney's political activities. watch now. "Parks is the only business they have, before [streaming], that's direct to consumer.". In the interim, these shows have filled the void. What Is Bob Chapek Political Party? A 27-year veteran of the Walt Disney Company, Chapek, 60, has a proven track record with consumers having been instrumental in the growth of the company's parks, consumer products and studio film businesses. Kathleen Kennedy Cites Impact Of Women, Artists Of Color And LGBTQ On Industry Amid Disney Dont Say Gay Backlash PGA Awards. You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. The pressure from the WOKE cancel culture was vicious. The Courage to be Free: Floridas Blueprint for American Revival, Fidelity Finds 401Ks Lost 25% of Their Value in 2022, Biden Says He May Be a White Boy, But Hes Not Stupid, One State Will Make It illegal for Vaccinated Donors to Give Blood, Rumors Are That John Fetterman Is Essentially Brain Dead, Dr. Malone on the Possible US Role in the Development of Coronavirus, They Set Us Up! Bombshell J6 Footage Shows Metro Police Discussion, Prophylaxis Nasal Spray Might Put an End to Vaccines. Bob Chapek was tapped on Tuesday to succeedlong-time Disney CEO Bob Iger. In lieu of the management retreat, the plan is for the leadership of the media company to go on a listening tour with employees, according to a person familiar with the strategy. 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. All Rights Reserved. We want to hear from you! Everyone was attacking Governor DeSantis with bald-faced lies, and he was the one who stood for what he believed. If you dont see your language, email sara@independentsentinel.com we will add it. In that role, he reorganized the business to cut costs and oversaw a number of popular toy crazes from franchises like "Frozen.". Its just a bit more subtle. 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. 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. The Florida bill hasnt factored into investors views as of yet, though the companys stock has been languishing near a 52-week low. 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? Parents would be able to sue school districts over the issue. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Feature Image: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images, Tags: Bob ChapekBob IgerChapekDisneyLake NonaThe Walt Disney Company. Market data provided by Factset. Now, you could argue that inflation is real during the pandemic. 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. Employees were walking out in protest and ranting to the media. What I suspect is that the people who formerly approved such shows arent with the company now. For all other types of cookies we need your permission. Chapek began his Disney career in 1993 as the marketing director for the company's Buena Vista Home Entertainment division, which at that time was focused on VHS tapes. Many speculated about Bob Igers future plans after his shocking decision to resign as CEO of The Walt Disney Company in February, including whether he intended to run for president. People are questioning DeSantiss comments. In a second memo to Disney workers, Chapek said Disney was suspending all political donations in Florida. ABC News anchor caught on hot mic claiming network killed Jeffery Epstein bombshell. Market data provided by Factset. 02:35. Send us a tip using our annonymous form. Disney allowed the drill team to perform based on an audition tape it had sent. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Chapek's was named chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in 2015 and his tenure was marked by the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort in 2016, the doubling of the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the addition of immersive Star Wars lands at Disneyland and Disney World, the expansion of Marvel-inspired attractions worldwide and massive development projects at Disneyland Paris. Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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. All rights reserved. Many of the calls In a letter sent to Disney workers, Chapek said the bill was not just an issue about a bill in Florida, but instead yet another challenge to basic human rights., You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down, he wrote. 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. Florida Gov. As many of its LGBTQ+ employees get set for a full-day walkout Tuesday, Disney has decided to postpone a management retreat set for next week as it continues efforts to calm internal waters. "Bob's legacy in the company is just profound. Instead, DeSantis blasted the company as woke and in bed with Chinese communists at an exclusive event publicized on Fox News. DeSantis signs bill stripping Greg Abbott on a different front. In November 2022, longtime Disney CEO Bob Iger announced he was replacing Chapek after two years away from the company. Read More. 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. ", Nothing in the Florida legislation itself mentions the word gay. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via / Getty Images). Its even possible that nobody was seriously vetting at all. Still, if the economy ever suddenly suffered a setback, this unforced error would magnify in scope. It hasnt gone away. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. Powered and implemented byFactSet Digital Solutions. 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. Then, it required many Golden State employees to switch coasts. 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. 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. The other way that Disney got hit from the left and right happened last week. Of course, nobody does that unless they understand political machinations. Chapeks initial responses to the bill were tepid at best, as he wanted to maintain solid relationships with the legislators. "Parks is a business where they use data to drive pricing and engagement," Nathanson said. Then, Chapek prioritized Disney+ as the core business model for the entire company. At this point, I felt confident he knew what he was doing because that was the right move.