Disney suspends political donations in Florida
Walt Disney Co. is suspending all political donations in the state of Florida as the company revises its advocacy policies, Chief Executive Bob Chapek told staff Friday.
In an email to Disney employees, the Burbank-based entertainment giant’s executive apologized for not speaking out sooner and more forcefully on Florida legislation restricting classroom teaching of the sexual identity and gender identity.
“Talking to you, reading your messages and meeting you helped me better understand how painful our silence was,” Chapek said in the memo. “It’s clear that this is not just an issue with a bill in Florida, but rather 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.”
The apology comes as Disney finds itself embroiled in controversy over its public response to Florida legislation, which critics, calling it a “don’t say gay” law, have called an attack on LGBTQ children and teachers.
Employees and others associated with Disney lambasted the company this week for not aggressively condemning the legislation earlier. Some demanded that Disney stop donating to politicians who supported the bill.
Chapek had wanted to avoid Disney becoming political football in the fight against Florida’s bill, which passed the state Senate and is expected to be signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis.
At Wednesday’s shareholder meeting, he told investors that Disney had opposed the bill from the start and had worked behind the scenes to prevent its passage. DeSantis called Chapek’s comments “reflections” of a “woke” society.
But Chapek in his memo seemed to acknowledge that he misjudged how public messaging would affect LGBTQ employees.
He said the company was increasing its support for advocacy groups to fight similar legislation in other states and “creating a new framework” for its political donations.
“I truly believe that we are an infinitely better and stronger company because of our LGBTQ+ community,” he said. “I missed the mark in this case, but I’m an ally you can count on and I’ll be an outspoken champion for the protections, visibility and opportunities you deserve.”
Here is the full memo.
To my colleagues, but especially to our LGBTQ+ community,
Thank you to everyone who reached out to me to share their pain, frustration, and sadness over the company’s response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Talking to you, reading your messages and meeting you have helped me better understand how painful our silence was. It is clear that this is not just a problem with a bill in Florida, but rather 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 must use our influence to promote this good by telling inclusive stories, but also by defending the rights of all.
Starting now, we’re increasing our support for advocacy groups to fight similar legislation in other states. We are working hard to create a new framework for our political giving that will ensure our advocacy better reflects our values. And today, we are suspending all political donations in the State of Florida pending that review. But I know there is still a lot of work to do. I am committed to this work and to all of you, and will continue to engage with the LGBTQ+ community to become a better ally. You will hear more about our progress in the weeks to come.
I truly believe that we are an infinitely better and stronger company because of our LGBTQ+ community. I missed the mark in this case, but I’m an ally you can count on and I’ll be a strong advocate for the protections, visibility, and opportunities you deserve.
Bob
