Disney Chairman Bob Iger is leaving the company at the end of the month. It sounds about right. CEO Denies Political Leanings Following Gina Carano Disney CEO Bob Chapek has had private phone calls this year with House Republican leaders including House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La. Bob Chapek Chapek absolutely should have spoken with her first. That has become increasingly important as streaming video slowly replaces linear pay TV and movie theaters as the dominant form of entertainment distribution. Unfortunately, theresnothing inclusive about the Dont Say Gay bill. So, Disney had to do many of these things, and I would agree with you. "Look, the world is changing dramatically, and it's important for the CEO of a company to address all of those changes rapidly," Iger said. What Is Bob Chapek Political Party? Cookies are small text files that can be used by websites to make a user's experience more efficient. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. "I didn't do the deal myself, but it was singular in terms of the pursuit one on one in some cases being as candid as I possibly could be, and I think as authentic as I could be, and developing a relationship, even if it was developed over a relatively brief period of time.". Ron] Desantis desk vetoed. Were all familiar with the maxim that the sum is greater than the parts. I am sorry. This year, Mr. Chapek contended with one crisis after another, some of his own making. Ron DeSantis over the pressure he was facing to weigh in against Floridas Parental Rights Education bill, known as the Dont Say Gay bill, according to DeSantis new memoir. Wright was recently disciplined by higher-ups at ABC News. Chapek cared too much about his needs and not enough about those of others. I think change, I think generally speaking, change is good. "If I werent a shareholder, Id find it amusing. Florida Gov. Bob Iger, the former Disney CEO whose decades-long tenure at the company ended in December, tweeted his opposition to the legislation weeks ago. Labeledby opponentsas the Dont Say Gay bill, the legislation effectively bans discussion or teaching about the LGBTQ+ community and sexual orientation or gender identity in the states public school system from kindergarten to the third grade. 2016 www.independentsentinel.com. Ex-Disney CEO Chapek griped to DeSantis about 'pressure' to slam Parents would be able to sue school districts over the issue. Ray Keating, an economist and editor of DisneyBizJournal.com, said when companies dive into politics, it rarely turns out and well. "Bob's legacy in the company is just profound. In truth, the only decision I believe Disney shouldnt have made is the removal of Magical Express. Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. In "The Courage to Be Free," the governor describes a conversation with former CEO Bob Chapek about Disney's political activities. The decision by the largest employer in Central Florida could have a major impact on election fundraising for both parties, and it escalates in his war of words with Gov. Carano last month raised the issue of a double standard in an interview with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, noting that Pascal was not fired for a 2018 tweet comparing undocumented children in cages in the U.S. to Jews in concentration camps. Got a confidential news tip? We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. He was the chief executive officer (CEO) of The Walt Disney Company from 2020 to 2022. Legal Statement. Legal Statement. DeSantis, a rumored 2024 presidential hopeful, has not yet announced if he will run. He stepped down last year as CEO, succeeded by Bob Chapek, but has stayed on as chairman through the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this month, Disney CEO Bob Chapek spoke out on the pro-Trump mob attack on the US Capitol. A Disney shareholder is speaking out against the company's involvement in Florida politics by actively opposing the Republican-led "Parental Rights in Education" bill championed by Republican Gov. People are questioning DeSantiss comments. FLORIDIOT: DeSantis Disney lackey thinks tap water makes you gay. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. He is the guilty party. REUTERS. We want to hear from you. Disney CEO Told DeSantis He Didnt Want to Do It The email came two days after the companys annual shareholder meeting, during which Chapek explained that the company had long opposed the Florida bill but opted to work behind the scenes rather than make a public statement. Iger will assume the role of executive chairman. Iger acknowledged Chapek likely won't make the same decisions he would have made as future problems arise. Chapek didnt speak to the Carano incident directly but said Disney stands for values that are universal: respect, decency, integrity and inclusion and we seek to have the content that we make reflective of the rich diversity of the world we live in. Wright then expounded at length on his political views. In a letter sent to Disney workers, Chapek said the bill was 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, he wrote. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Chapek wrapped up the session and thanked all of the participants. Iger planned to run for POTUS at one point. But Im an ally you can count on, and I will be an outspoken champion for the protections, visibility and opportunity you deserve.. The task force will develop strategy and action plans to engage with LGBTQ+ employees, community partners and content creators. Disney employees skew toward the pro-vaccine and anti-Dont Say Gay side, which is California, not Florida. Iger said he had to convince founders that he wouldn't disappoint them after completing an acquisition. I was glad to speak to Bob yesterday afternoon, and we had a very productive conversation about the need for Disney to put real muscle into stopping whats happening to their employees and to their fans.. Disney has *deep breath* eliminated Magical Express, exchanged free FastPasses for paid Lightning Lane experiences, required Park Passes, temporarily removed the dining plan and most annual passes, and raised many food/drink prices. Bob Chapek Iger, 70, is leaving Disney after running the company from 2005 to 2020. Market data provided by Factset. In addition to addressing Disney directly, Madison also acknowledged that the issue is much larger than the single company. All rights reserved. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter, Interim president Joni Madison confirmed she and Bob Chapek "had a very productive conversation about the need for Disney to put real muscle into stopping what's happening to their employees and to their fans.". Despite the acrimony this month and a rare public clash last summer with an A-list star, Scarlett Johansson the company has been rebuilding after the depths of the pandemic and posted stellar financial results in February for its most recent quarter. He will be the seventh CEO in Disney's nearly 100-year history. Everything else is justifiable. Bob Chapek Chapek The Courage to be Free: Floridas Blueprint for American Revival, Fidelity Finds 401Ks Lost 25% of Their Value in 2022, Biden Says He May Be a White Boy, But Hes Not Stupid, One State Will Make It illegal for Vaccinated Donors to Give Blood, Rumors Are That John Fetterman Is Essentially Brain Dead, Dr. Malone on the Possible US Role in the Development of Coronavirus, They Set Us Up! Bombshell J6 Footage Shows Metro Police Discussion, Prophylaxis Nasal Spray Might Put an End to Vaccines. Im a devout believer that the least excusable mistakes stem from self-inflicted wounds and unforced errors. Here are CEO Bob Chapeks worst five mistakes thus far. All rights reserved. We've received your submission. Theyve invested millions of dollars in donations to political parties and more over the last 25 years, theyve given in-kind donations (like tickets to the parks and hotel stays) to political parties, and theyve hired lobbyists. Knowing my grandchildren will never experienced true Disney magic without political agendas. Bob Chapek Disney CEO Bob Chapek admitted at Disneys 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders that he had been actively opposing the bill through back channels despite previously sending out an email to his employees claiming the company would not be taking a stance on the bill. All Rights Reserved. "It's development of a relationship," Iger said. WebBob Chapek. Chapek learned a harsh lesson that potential political allies behind closed doors are all too happy to attack Disney in the media for personal gain. He was the It closed todays trading at $138.62, down 1%. During the pandemic, Disney has ramped up its usage of high school performers at theme parks, especially Magic Kingdom. Theyve invested millions of dollars in donations to political parties and more over the last 25 years, theyve given in-kind donations (like tickets to the parks and hotel stays) to political parties, and theyve hired lobbyists. Bob Chapek was initially silent on Floridas controversial bill barring discussions of gender identity in school classrooms. Most of the decisions appear understandable in isolation. And so, its like theres no upside, or our bosses dont see an upside in doing the job were supposed to do, which is to speak truth to power and hold people accountable.. A recent CNBC article referenced Chapeks perceived lack of emotional intelligence. Heinz, and in advertising at J. Walter Thompson. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. If passed, this bill will put vulnerable, young LGBTQ people in jeopardy., Biden had tweeted his opposition to legislation designed to attack LGBTQI+ kids.. DeSantis in new book says Disney CEO complained of pressure Amid the melee, DeSantis issued a warning over Disney getting involved in the legislation. John Oliver Calls Bob Chapeks Explanation For Disney Donations To Dont Say Gay Politicians Actively Insulting. Earlier this month, in an email to employees, Chapek apologized to workers for letting you down by not being more of an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. ), The HRC president went on to say that companies need to deliver more than inclusive employment policies and a clever Pride campaign and that corporate values should be guiding principles in how a company shows up for the marginalized, instead of being marketing materials., I promise you, states lucrative tax laws wont matter much to your employees and consumers who are being criminalized for supporting their kids and being pushed back in the closet by the legal system, she said. Bob Chapek ABC Newsrecently suspended veteran Washington correspondent David Wright for remarks he made that were captured on video byProject Veritas. But as he reflected on his answers, he realized "times change," and said he was saying no too quickly. Chapeks statement comes after a week of criticism from fans and employees about his delayed reaction to the bill, which he opposed only after it passed both houses of the Legislature and was sent to DeSantis for his signature. Many speculated about Bob Igers future plans after his shocking decision to resign as CEO of The Walt Disney Company in February, including whether he intended to run for president.