Facing a flurry of backlash after Disney failed to speak out against Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, Disney CEO Bob Chapek formally apologized to employees today for the company’s lack of support. to his queer community.
In an internal memo, Chapek addressed widespread criticism of Disney’s Wise Silence in response to the “Don’t Say Gay” bill recently passed by the Florida Senate. The message was directed at all Disney employees, “but especially our LGBTQ+ community.”
“Thank you to everyone who has contacted me to share their pain, frustration and sadness over the company’s response to Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill,” Chapek wrote. “Talking with you, reading your messages and meeting with you has helped me better understand how painful our silence was. It is clear that this is not just an issue about a Florida bill, but 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. Sorry.”
The apology follows a chaotic week for the Disney boss, who previously told employees that Disney would not publicly respond to the bill despite operating a massive business empire in the state. Parental Rights in Education, as it is formally called, prohibits educators from discussing “sexual orientation or gender identity” with students at certain grade levels and would allow parents to take legal action against school districts whose educators address them.
Earlier this week, Chapek had written to employees that “corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds,” adding that “the best way for our company to create lasting change is through inspirational content.” we produce, the welcoming culture we create, and the various community organizations we support.” The claim that Disney supports the community with its storytelling was quickly dismissed by critics and employees who pointed out that Disney censor queer representation in his films and series, particularly in pixar productions.
The fallout from Chapek’s initial response was swift, with the company facing criticism that it had not only failed the LGBTQ+ community, but specifically its members. employees and families in Florida who may be directly affected by the bill.
In a memo sent to Disney leaders before the bill passed the Florida Senate, Disney employees requested that the company take a stand against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill and the anti-LBGTQ+ law in other states. As one of the largest employers in Florida, they wrote, and “one currently relocating even more employees to the state, it is the Company’s utmost responsibility to protect these individuals.” the note was obtained and published by Variety Yesterday.
In his apology to employees today, Chapek wrote that the company will increase its support for groups working to fight similar laws in other states. Disney is also pausing all political donations in Florida as the company creates “a new framework for our political donations that will ensure our advocacy better reflects our values.” Many critics of Disney’s response to the “Don’t Say Gay” bill were quick to point out that the company financial contributions to the legislators who defended the bill.
Read Chapek’s full memo below:
To my colleagues, but especially to our LGBTQ+ community,
Thank you to everyone who has contacted me to share their pain, frustration, and sadness over the company’s response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Talking with you, reading your messages and meeting with you has helped me better understand how painful our silence was. It is clear that this is not just an issue about a Florida bill, but 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. 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 fight similar laws in other states. We are working hard to create a new framework for our political donations that will ensure our advocacy better reflects our values. And today, we are stopping all political donations in the state of Florida pending this review. But, I know there is much more work to be done. I am committed to this work and to all of you, and I 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 that we are an infinitely better and stronger company because of our LGBTQ+ community. I missed the mark on this case, but I am an ally you can count on, and I will be an outspoken advocate for the protections, visibility and opportunity you deserve.