The nearly century-old company has been dragged for becoming too politically correct, famously clashing with Republican Bob Chapek was tapped on Tuesday to succeedlong-time Disney CEO Bob Iger. Robert Chapek - $11,106 in Political Contributions for 2016 Its only temporary and has nothing to do with the content of the comments. A recent CNBC article referenced Chapeks perceived lack of emotional intelligence. Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek is pausing all of the companys political donations in Florida after the passage of the dont say gay bill and apologized to employees for his silence during the months-long debate on the measure. New York CNN . Disney CEO Bob Chapek Says No Political Bias In Gina Carano Chapek's promotion comes at a time when Disney is facing challenges from the global coronavirus outbreak. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 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.) 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 companys response to the Florida Dont Say Gay bill, Chapek said in his letter. News Analysis. Bill Mahers Real Time Questions The Paths Taken By Disney, TLC, A&E & History Channel. Even so, Disney has strengthened the belief that its park price increases are out of control. Bob Chapek While Chapek said he spoke with DeSantis by phone and would meet with him, DeSantis spokeswoman Christina Pushaw said Thursday no in-person meeting had been scheduled. Bob Chapek In the interim, these shows have filled the void. March 7th, 2022 Then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek comments further on the matter via an internal Disney memo. Initially, complaints arose about the fact that Disney wasnt letting the drill team wear their headdresses. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. VIDEO 3:58 03:58. Chapek cared too much about his needs and not enough about those of others. Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites. How Disney and CEO Bob Chapek made a mess of the companys Got a confidential news tip? We need Disneys partnership in getting the bills heading to [Gov. Period. 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. Beliefs like that hurt the brand. Those three acquisitions, which cost Disney roughly $15 billion, combined, turned Disney into an intellectual property behemoth. So, Disney purchased nearly 60 acres of land in Lake Nona, Florida. Thats not even a dig on Chapek. Market data provided by Factset. News Analysis. By Laurn Alexa | Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 12:02pm He stepped down last year as CEO, succeeded by Bob Chapek, but has stayed on as chairman through the coronavirus pandemic. 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 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. We have a multi-language translator on the top left. Labeledby opponentsas the Dont Say Gay bill, the legislation effectively bans discussion or teaching about the LGBTQ+ community and sexual orientation or gender identity in the states public school system from kindergarten to the third grade. The bias is blatant.. Keating, who has written about how Disney's activism is bad for business, said Disney's decisions on the Florida bill has meant the company is catching heat from both sides of the political spectrum. And Laurene and Steve and [Iger's wife] Willow [Bay] and I sat down at a dinner, and he toasted to the deal we had done some years earlier, convinced that it was the right thing to do for Disney and for Pixar. 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. Disney this week said it will work to repeal the legislation in Florida because it's dedicated to standing up for the rights and safety of the LGBTQ+ community. It states that "classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.". Disney hasnt brought back all its union-based performers yet, although it has taken recent steps to do so. 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. And if that doesnt happen, to get these bills repealed, she added. The company has also given more than $100,000 to the Friends of Ron DeSantis PAC since 2019. Were all familiar with the maxim that the sum is greater than the parts. Its just a bit more subtle. 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. Ron DeSantis. Everything else is justifiable. In totality, its one problematic mistake, though. Knowing my grandchildren will never experienced true Disney magic without political agendas. In short, this debacle was totally avoidable. What Is Bob Chapek Political Party? This year, Mr. Chapek contended with one crisis after another, some of his own making. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung / AP Newsroom). GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE, "Disneys management succumbed to political pressure from activists on the Left, and now its getting hit from the Left and the Right," Keating told Fox News Digital. News of the postponement came as Disney CEO Bob Chapek conducted a town hall meeting for all employeesMonday. The Shanghai and Hong Kong Disney parks have been shuttered until the outbreak can be contained and there are concerns from analysts that upcoming Disney film releases like "Mulan" could be disrupted because cinemas are currently closed in China. 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. Political Party Stances; 51% : Florida Gov. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox. 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 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. Ron DeSantis, who accused the company of being woke a day earlier for opposing the bill. 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 allowed the drill team to perform based on an audition tape it had sent. 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. Amid the melee, DeSantis issued a warning over Disney getting involved in the legislation. ", Nothing in the Florida legislation itself mentions the word gay. Got a confidential news tip? Chapek had apologized multiple times to the LGBTQ community and vowed to suspend all political donations in Florida as a result. The bias is blatant. It fit into the larger corporate campaign known as Reimagine Tomorrow, which aims to emphasize Disneys commitment to diversity and inclusion. 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. Republicans argued the bill protects parental rights, while Democrats and LGBTQ groups contend it was intentionally vague and could have a chilling effect on teachers and students. Chapek is in the third-year of a three-year contract as CEO that expires in February. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, For all other types of cookies we need your permission. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. Employees were walking out in protest and ranting to the media. The bills Republican sponsors have also been more openly vocal about LGBTQ students, with Baxley complaining about everybody now all about coming out when youre in school.. Disney CEO Bob Chapek gets close to GOP lawmakers ahead of All of the companys three major content suppliers Marvel, Pixar and Lucasfilm have been publicly critical of the companys handling of the situation. Earlier this month, Disney CEO Bob Chapek spoke out on the pro-Trump mob attack on the US Capitol. They left for other gigs. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Richard Drew, File. 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.. Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference at the Eau Gallie High School aviation hangar on March 22, 2021. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! DeSantis retaliated by signaling publicly that he would be willing to re-evaluate Disneys special tax district, called Reedy Creek, and favorable corporate agreements due to its insistence on woke political activism. Chapek has been overseeing the company's parks, experiences and products division since those divisions were combined in 2018. FLORIDIOT: DeSantis Disney lackey thinks tap water makes you gay. this site provides a list of businesses that are too woke and could cancel a client or a contract just for ones opinions on LGBTQ or race or something like that. or redistributed. DeSantis signs bill stripping 2016 www.independentsentinel.com. "Heres a suggestion for Disney CEO Bob Chapek: Get back to business, that is, excellence in storytelling, and stop wasting shareholders' money on political crusades that have nothing to do with Disneys business," Keating told Fox News Digital. Parents would be able to sue school districts over the issue. Chapek has also personally condemned the bill most vigorously, albeit a week too late. The more combustible of those situations unfolded over House Bill 1557, the so-called Dont Say legislation. He said he was overwhelmed by professionalism and objectivity of the news division but admitted Wright said some things on the Project Veritas video to make the company question his objectivity. March 7th, 2022 Then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek comments further on the matter via an internal Disney memo. Chapek took on the role of CEO back in February of 2020 from Bob Iger, right before the entire world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida governor Ron DeSantis is calling out former Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Chapek. DeSantis cements takeover of Disney's special Florida district, Change isn't necessarily bad.". The website cannot function properly without these cookies. ABC NEWS SUSPENDS DAVID WRIGHT FOR REMARKS MADE IN PROJECT VERITAS VIDEO. I can assure you of that. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. "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. Analytics cookies help website owners to understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and reporting information anonymously. "Look, the world is changing dramatically, and it's important for the CEO of a company to address all of those changes rapidly," Iger said. On top of the stock woes, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has become a punching bag for cultural critics. All rights reserved. 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. HERITAGE ACTION CALLS OUT DISNEY: 'IT REALLY IS A WOKE WORLD AFTER ALL', "We all have the right to have our voices heard on issues, but not on the shareholders dime.". That argument is correct, independent of where you may fall on the political spectrum. 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. 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. I feel terrible about it. Bob That has become increasingly important as streaming video slowly replaces linear pay TV and movie theaters as the dominant form of entertainment distribution. (Gerardo Mora / Getty Images). 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. Chapek has not commented on the DeSantis report. Florida Gov. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. "I didn't do the deal myself, but it was singular in terms of the pursuit one on one in some cases being as candid as I possibly could be, and I think as authentic as I could be, and developing a relationship, even if it was developed over a relatively brief period of time.". As a new CEO, he was easily victimized. DeSantis signed the bill into law last March 28, which prompted Disney to publicly rip the new law and stand with Disneys LGBTQ employees and advocates in Florida. 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.". But this time is different. 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. Conversely, Chapek believes that his best approach is to avoid politics altogether, a legitimate impossibility for a company like Disney. Employees were walking out in protest and ranting to the media. 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.. 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. Kathleen Kennedy Cites Impact Of Women, Artists Of Color And LGBTQ On Industry Amid Disney Dont Say Gay Backlash PGA Awards. It hasnt gone away. I truly believe we are an infinitely better and stronger company because of our LGBTQ+ community, he wrote. And, we are committed to creating a more inclusive company and world, Chapek wrote in a memo to staff in March 2022. 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 In that scenario, someone less experienced with vetting is in charge. "That was an early sign that it was time. Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. And today we are opposing all political donations in the state of Florida pending this review.. Iger said he had to convince founders that he wouldn't disappoint them after completing an acquisition. Ray Keating, an economist and editor of DisneyBizJournal.com, said when companies dive into politics, it rarely turns out and well. When Chapek took the job as head of Disney, critics lamented his lack of experience with the Hollywood studio system. A growing number of participants in the retreat were expressing reluctance with pressing ahead given the climate at the company. REUTERS. A Complete Timeline of the Battle Between Gov. Ron DeSantis and (Gerardo Mora / Getty Images) Under pressure from LGBTQ activists and progressive employees some of whom who have walked out of the job in protest Original story, Wednesday morning: Disney CEO Bob Chapek said during the companys shareholders meeting on Wednesday that he will be meeting with Florida Gov. Its bad for business and even worse for the Disney brand. Chapek released Black Widow on Disney+ without checking whether the films star, Scarlett Johansson, minded. Madison addressed The Walt Disney Companys latest pledge during the LGBTQ advocacy groups annual Los Angeles dinner, held Saturday night at the JW Marriott LA Live Hotel. "It's development of a relationship," Iger said. Management has altered some aspects of the Disney vacation experience as a tactic to overcome the unprecedented challenges of March 2020 through today. Bob Chapek WebBob Chapek. Disney CEO Bob Chapek recently responded to accusations of a company double standard during the Q&A portion of Disneys annual shareholder meeting.One shareholder held that Gina Carano was fired due to her conservative views, rather than the offensive nature of her fateful post, noting, as others have, that left-leaning co-star Pedro New York CNN . 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. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. Iger, 70, is leaving Disney after running the company from 2005 to 2020. The Wrap has reported that Imagineers have campaigned for Disney to reconsider. 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.. However, once the show started, well, it got awkward fast. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. October 26, 2021 at 5:36 On Monday, Disney and CEO Bob Chapek sent an internal memo following reports that the company had donated thousands of dollars to Florida representatives that supported and voted for the Parental Rights in Education bill. But DeSantis pushed on, signing a law to strip Disney World of its Reedy Creek control on Monday. Disney CEO Told DeSantis He Didnt Want to Do It During the pandemic, Disney has ramped up its usage of high school performers at theme parks, especially Magic Kingdom. A Complete Timeline of the Battle Between Gov. Ron DeSantis and FLORIDIOT: DeSantis Disney lackey thinks tap water makes you gay. Chapek is far less publicly political than his predecessor, who once considered a run for the Democratic nomination for president. Occupy Democrats is a political organization and information website that provides a new counterbalance to the Republican Tea Party. 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. Florida Gov. Disney CEO Told DeSantis He Didnt Want to Do It. In truth, the only decision I believe Disney shouldnt have made is the removal of Magical Express. Alas, Chapek fell too deeply in love with the idea of increasing Disney+ subscriber numbers. Whether Disney CEO Bob Chapek had considered this before multiple shareholders pressed him about this bill this week during Disneys annual investors call isnt clear. When everything is fine, but you unintentionally create your own drama, thats a sign that youre your own worst enemy. Chapek is credited for bringing Disney's home entertainment division into the digital ag All Rights Reserved. Interested in booking a Disney Vacation? After weeks of internal strife and external controversy surrounding the Walt Disney Companys lack of public response to the Dont Say Gay legislation in Florida, WebCanada Disney CEO Bob Chapek Apologizes to LGBTQ Employees, Announces Pause for Political Donations in Florida variety This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast 29K 7 1.6K Related Topics Politics 1.6K comments Best AutoModerator 1 yr. ago As a reminder, this subreddit is for civil discussion. 11. 2016 Election Cycle. For the past 18 months, Disney has fallen into the latter category as leadership has accidentally caused as many screw-ups as it has fixed. If you dont see your language, email sara@independentsentinel.com we will add it. Spirit Awards: Everything Everywhere All at Once Starts With a Bang, The Bear Wins First TV Award, Tom Sizemore, Saving Private Ryan, Heat and Natural Born Killers Actor, Dies at 61, LeVar Burton, The Right to Read Director Jenny Mackenzie on the Underbelly of the American Literacy Crisis, How Marlon Wayans Made an Hour of Comedy Out of Slapgate With New HBO Max Special, Disney Reorg: Dana Walden, Alan Bergman Gain Streaming, International; Rebecca Campbell to Exit, Nelson Peltz Abandons Disney Proxy Fight, as Bob Iger Says "Everything Is on the Table" for Hulu, Guest Column: Alec Baldwins Rust Prosecutors Should Do Their Talking in Court, Sofia Carson on Preparing to Perform With Diane Warren at the Oscars: I Still Pinch Myself, Miley Cyrus to Perform Songs From New Album on Disney+ Special Miley Cyrus Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions), Guns N Roses, Arctic Monkeys Join Elton John as Headliners of Glastonbury Festival, Novelist Julianna Baggott Launches Production Banner, Wayne Shorter, Jazz Saxophone Pioneer, Dies at 89, Star Hairstylist Jen Atkin Reveals Must-Have Hair Tools, Tutorials and Pro Tips In New MasterClass, Rihannas Puma x Fenty Is Coming Back Heres Where You Can Still Buy Those Cult-Fave Creepers, The Best Bridesmaid Dresses for Every Budget, From Under-$100 Gowns to Hollywood-Inspired Classics, BTS Army: Heres When and Where Legos Dynamite-Inspired Set Arrives Online and In Stores, The Big Lebowski Turns 25: People Didnt Get It, Jeff Bridges Recalls, How the Landscape of Native-Led Stories Has Changed Between Avatars: Were Flexing Our Sovereignty, The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News. Chapek and his team had decided that Florida made more sense as a home base. Employees were walking out in protest and ranting to the media. "Parks is a business where they use data to drive pricing and engagement," Nathanson said. 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. 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. Chapek is almost childlike by comparison. "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. Iger, 69, will remain with the company through 2021 to handle Disney's content initiatives such as Disney+, with the expectation that Chapek will eventually take control of all roles. 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.. Still, if the economy ever suddenly suffered a setback, this unforced error would magnify in scope. Bob Chapek He will be the seventh CEO in Disney's nearly 100-year history. Unclassified cookies are cookies that we are in the process of classifying, together with the providers of individual cookies. Disney has gotten too expensive.. "Parks is the only business they have, before [streaming], that's direct to consumer.". bob chapek political party All Rights Reserved. Ron DeSantis. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Im a devout believer that the least excusable mistakes stem from self-inflicted wounds and unforced errors. Bob Chapek downplays ABC News' scandals Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Back in 2018, Danhof confronted then-CEO Iger about ABC News Joy Behar, who was under fire at the time for comments that mocked Vice President Pences Christian faith. Unfortunately, theresnothing inclusive about the Dont Say Gay bill. 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. A Division of NBCUniversal. The Florida bill hasnt factored into investors views as of yet, though the companys stock has been languishing near a 52-week low. DeSantis in new book says Disney CEO complained of pressure