NEWS: Disney CEO Bob Chapek Apologizes for Response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” Bill

The Walt Disney Company has recently received criticism for how they have responded to Florida’s controversial Parental Rights in Education bill (also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill).

Initially, Disney refrained from issuing a public response and opted to lobby privately against the legislation. However, Disney CEO, Bob Chapek, has since spoken on the topic saying that he and other Disney executives will be meeting with Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis to discuss their “concerns” and promising a substantial donation to several LGBTQ+ organizations. And, today, he issued another statement to Disney Cast Members.

According to a Press Release issued by Disney, Chapek sent a memo to all Disney employees today, addressing those who have reached out to him to express their “pain, frustration and sadness over the company’s response to the Florida “Don’t Say Gay” bill” and sharing next steps for how the company will support the LGBTQ+ community moving forward.

In the letter, Chapek begins by thanking employees who have contacted him saying that “speaking to you, reading your messages, and meeting with you have helped me better understand how painful our silence was.”

He also noted that “You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry.”

The letter went on to read “our employees see the power of this great company as an opportunity to do good. I agree. Yes, we need to use our influence to promote that good by telling inclusive stories, but also by standing up for the rights of all.”

Chapek had previously revealed that they had felt that they “could be more effective working behind the scenes, engaging directly with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle” but ultimately failed.

Moving forward, Chapek shared that Disney will immediately be “increasing our support for advocacy groups to combat similar legislation in other states.”

This is in alignment with his statements during Disney’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders just a few days ago where he pledged a $5 million donation to the Human Rights Campaign and other LGBTQ+ organizations. Though, the Human Rights Campaign has since issued a response refusing the money calling for “meaningful action” from the company.

Additionally, one of the main controversies concerning Disney and the bill centered on the political donations that Disney had reportedly made “to every single sponsor and co-sponsor” of the bill including Florida State Senator Dennis Baxley.

In response, Chapek announced that as of today they have paused “political donations in the state of Florida” until they can create a “new framework for our political giving that will ensure our advocacy better reflects our values.”

On a more personal note, Chapek added, “I know there is so much more work to be done. I am committed to this work and to you all, and will continue to engage with the LGBTQ+ community so that I can become a better ally. You will hear more about our progress in the coming weeks.”

And he ended by saying that he “missed the mark in this case but am an ally you can count on—and I will be an outspoken champion for the protections, visibility, and opportunity you deserve.”

This is the second memo that Chapek has sent to Disney employees concerning the bill, though the bill had not yet passed the Florida Senate at that time.

The bill has now been sent to the Florida Governor for signing and we will keep an eye out for more updates so stay tuned to AllEars for the latest.

See the full response from the Human Rights Campaign and Florida Governor’s office here