ABOVE: Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek (R) with Mickey Mouse. Photo via Disney’s Facebook page.
Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek apologized to LGBTQ employees March 11 for the company’s response to HB 1557, the “Parental Rights in Education” legislation widely known as Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Chapek addressed colleagues “but especially our LGBTQ+ community” in a company-wide email, reflecting on criticism of his messaging regarding the bill. He also announced the company will pause political donations in Florida.
“Thank you to all who have reached out to me sharing your pain, frustration and sadness over the company’s response to the Florida ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill,” Chapek wrote. “Speaking to you, reading your messages and meeting with you have helped me better understand how painful our silence was.
“It is clear that this is not just an issue about a bill in Florida, but instead yet another challenge to basic human rights,” he continued. “You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry.”
The CEO first addressed HB 1557 March 7, one day before its passage in the Florida Senate. It was passed in the House Feb. 24 and if signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, will limit the discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools at certain grade levels.
Noting that he met with a group of Disney’s LGBTQ leaders March 4, Chapek said in his initial statement that “One common theme was disappointment that the company has not issued a public statement condemning the legislation.” Disney’s support of lawmakers who had supported the legislation was also called into question.
“That disappointment was compounded by the fact that, while not perfect, our company has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community – and in fact, has played an important role in the personal journeys of so many of our employees,” he continued. “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.”
Chapek subsequently condemned the legislation March 9, insisting Disney had been “opposed to the bill from the outset.” He also noted that Disney’s longstanding relationships with lawmakers who they’d donated to led them to hope for “a better outcome.”
“I called Gov. DeSantis this morning to express our disappointment and concern that if the legislation becomes law, it could be unfairly used to target gay, lesbian, nonbinary and transgender kids and families,” Chapek shared afterwards. “The governor heard our concerns and agreed to meet with me and LGBTQ+ members of our senior team in Florida to discuss ways to address them.”
A spokesperson confirmed the governor, who has signaled support for the bill, had not changed his position on the matter. On March 10, he attacked Disney directly.
“Companies that have made a fortune catering to families should understand that parents don’t want this injected into their kid’s kindergarten classroom,” DeSantis said. “Our policies will be based on the best interest of Florida citizens, not the musing of woke corporations.”
Disney also pledged to give $5 million to LGBTQ-serving organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign which declined the donation until Disney took “meaningful action” to combat such legislation.
“HRC encourages Disney, and all employers, to continue to fight for their employees – many of whom bravely spoke out to say their CEO’s silence was unacceptable – and the LGBTQ+ community by working with us and state and local LGBTQ+ groups to ensure these dangerous anti-equality proposals that harm LGBTQ+ families and kids have no place in Florida,” HRC shared.
Chapek also announced March 11 that Disney is increasing its “support for advocacy groups to combat similar legislation in other states” and that the company is “hard at work creating a new framework for our political giving.” Donations in Florida are paused pending the review.
Read his full statement below:
To my fellow colleagues, but especially our LGBTQ+ community,
Thank you to all who have reached out to me sharing your pain, frustration and sadness over the company’s response to the Florida “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Speaking to you, reading your messages, and meeting with you have helped me better understand how painful our silence was. It is clear that this is 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. I am sorry.
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.
Starting immediately, we are increasing our support for advocacy groups to combat similar legislation in other states. We are hard at work creating a new framework for our political giving that will ensure our advocacy better reflects our values. And today, we are pausing all political donations in the state of Florida pending this review. But, 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.
I truly believe we are an infinitely better and stronger company because of our LGBTQ+ community. I 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.
Bob
