Disney CEO Apologizes To LGBT Employees, Promises To Pause Political Donations in Florida
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After facing backlash from employees and creators for donating to politicians behind Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced in a company email that Disney will pause all political donations in the state during a restructuring of its political giving framework.
Chapek also apologized directly to the company’s LGBTQ employees for his widely criticized messaging on the issue.
“It is clear that this is not just an issue about a bill in Florida, but instead yet another challenge to basic human rights,” Chapek wrote. “You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry.”
While Chapek expressed “unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community,” he said that he had chosen not to take a public stance on the legislation.
“The biggest impact we can have in creating a more inclusive world is through the inspiring content we produce, the welcoming culture we create here and the diverse community organizations we support, including those representing the LGBTQ+ community,” he wrote.
Chapek also said in the Monday memo that Disney had not donated to politicians specifically regarding the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, but the company had contributed to “Republican and Democrat legislators who have subsequently taken positions on both sides of the legislation.”
By Wednesday, after the bill had been passed by the Florida legislature, it was clear that Chapek’s lack of public comment on the issue had become untenable. During the Disney shareholder’s meeting, Chapek stated the company’s opposition to the legislation for the first time. But his pledge of $5 million to the Human Rights Campaign, among other LGBTQ rights organizations, was rejected by HRC leadership.
Below is the full text of Chapek’s Friday email:
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.
Bob
