Disney CEO Bob Chapek has sent another email to employees and Cast Members of The Walt Disney Company apologizing for not taking a stance against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill earlier. The letter was also shared on The Walt Disney Company website.
Read the full email 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.
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Worst CEO ever. Just stop.
To quote Marsha Brady, “ Sure, Jan.”
If Disney is so worried about human rights, then maybe they should cease all operations and divest its parks in China. Chasing their woke tail is not an endearing look. Any LGBTQ+ employees should feel nothing but pandered and demeaned by Chapek’s response.
See. Chapek, even though what happened was a mistake which seemed like the right idea at the time, he has listened to what people are saying and is now determined to own up and make up for the mistake. Yoy have to remember that despite what people say he is still human like you or me. And even humans make mistakes. It is in our nature.
He wasn’t silent and he did take a stand that spoke loudly in the language of money.
This is quite possibly the only thing Chapek has done so far that I can get a hundred percent behind.