Chapek also said Disney would sign the Human Rights Campaign's statement opposing similar legislative efforts around the country and donate $5 million toward groups that protect LGBTQ rights, including Human Rights Campaign. Pivoting Wednesday, he told investors he called DeSantis to express the company's concerns and planned to meet with him and a number of LGBTQ Disney leaders. And because this struggle is much bigger than any one bill in any one state, I believe the best way for our company to bring about lasting change is through the inspiring content we produce, the welcoming culture we create, and the diverse community organizations we support. Where we may differ is in the tactics to get there. I do not want anyone to mistake a lack of a statement for a lack of support. We all share the same goal of a more tolerant, respectful world.
Many fans and some employees had called on Disney to publicly oppose the bill like other companies, given its large presence in Florida and longtime support of the LGBTQ community.Įarlier in the week, Chapek told Disney employees, in an internal memo obtained by USA TODAY: But we're committed to support the community going forward," he added. "I understand our original approach, no matter how well-intended, didn't quite get the job done. "We were opposed to the bill from the outset, but we chose not to take a public position on it because we thought we could be more effective working behind the scenes engaging directly with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle," he told investors, noting efforts had been going on for weeks. Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Chapek made his first public comments on the matter during a shareholders meeting Wednesday, a day after the bill passed in the Florida legislature. Disney's response to Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill Some have pledged to boycott Disney while others demand more action.ĭisney's CEO reached out to employees on Friday apologizing for the company's response to the bill, but some fans remain upset with the company. Many LGBTQ Disney fans with deep love for Disney expressed disappointment, sadness and anger at the company's response to the legislation now awaiting Gov. "Right now, I'm looking at my Disneyland lanyard, which has Pride pins all over it," she said Tuesday. 'DON'T SAY GAY': Lawmaker behind Florida bill pulls amendment requiring schools to out students several years ago, they chose Southern California partly for the parks and became Magic Key passholders so they could visit regularly.īut Plows' ardor for Disney was recently shaken by the company's response to what critics have dubbed Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill, which would restrict speech on sexual orientation and gender identity in public school classrooms.ĭISNEY CEO (FINALLY) SPEAKS OUT: But where's the gay Disney fairy tale? Their dog is named Loki, after Thor's mischief-making brother in various Marvel series. When they moved to the U.S. Her career plans may have changed, but for years, that love for Disney held steady She and her wife had an "Up"-themed wedding. "I remember saying to my dad at the time that when I grew up, I wanted to be the manager of Disneyland," she recalls. Jasmine Plows fell in love with Disneyland the first time she visited at age 7. Watch Video: 'Don't Say Gay' bill signed into law by Florida governor DeSantis