During today’s annual shareholder meeting, Disney CEO Bob Chapek addressed Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill once again, this time finally denouncing it.
Chapek acknowledged that many were disappointed by his failure to speak out earlier. “We were opposed to the bill from the outset but we chose not to take a public position on it,” Chapek said, going on to say they focused on attempting to work behind-the-scenes with both sides of the aisle but were “ultimately unsuccessful.”
Chapek said he spoke on the phone with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis this morning regarding the bill and that DeSantis has agreed to meet with both Chapek and leaders from the LGBTQ+ community. He also said Disney would be signing a Human Rights Campaign (HRC) statement opposing such legislature and pledging $5 million to LGBTQ+ causes, including HRC.
The Walt Disney Company came under fire after it was discovered they donated to all sponsors of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Disney released a lackluster statement and Chapek later emailed all Disney employees regarding the bill, but did not denounce it. Employees and Cast Members spoke out, and members of Disney Media Entertainment and Distribution released a statement.
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