We have just learned that Disney CEO Bob Chapek sent an email to Cast Members apologizing to Cast Members about his handling of the “don’t say gay” bill recently passed in Florida.
Keith Lapinig, Manager of Interactive Design, recently posted on Twitter, “Wow. We got an apology. #Chapek It’s a small start.”
In a follow-up email, he said, “Yeah, an e-mail to cast members was just sent. I don’t want to be the one to make it public, but I’m sure it will be. lol. But he addressed that he let us down directly.”
We have just received the email sent to Cast Members:
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.
Initially, as Florida drafted and began working to pass the Parental Rights in Education bill or more commonly known as the “don’t say gay” bill, many were asking Disney to take a strong stance on preventing this bill from being passed.
While Disney is one of – if not – the most high-profile company in the state, other companies have also contributed to those Florida politicians who are supporting the “don’t say gay” bill including Universal Orlando Theme Park’s parent company, Comcast.
When Chapek first responded to the bill and their donations to virtually every Florida politician, they failed to address the situation head-on and issued a vague explanation. The initial statement mentioned the bill but failed to speak to their donations or any actions The Walt Disney Company would take.
At the shareholder meeting this past week, Chapek finally addressed the issue and said they were “opposed to the bill from the outset but we chose not to take a public position on it.” He said that they chose to “work behind the scenes” but said that it was “ultimately unsuccessful.” He then stated that he spoke to Florida Governor DeSantis earlier that morning and said he and leaders from the LGBTQ+ community were planning to meet with him in the near future. Additionally, he said The Walt Disney Company was making a $5 million donation to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and other LGBTQ+ causes. In addition, they would be signing an HRC statement opposing such legislature.
Shortly after, the HRC later said it would not accept the money and said that Disney needed to do better. Disney responded by saying they were “surprised and disappointed that they will not take our financial support at this time.” They went on to say they “remain committed to meaningful action to combat legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community.”
