Disney CEO Bob Chapek has come under fire recently for not speaking out to stop legislation in Florida that is being called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The Walt Disney Company has also come under fire for financially supporting the legislators that drafted the bill.

Disney also gave a bunch of money to the legislators that opposed the bill, but I digress.

Now Bob Chapek has put out a statement to appease the employees as they are angry that he didn’t speak out against it. Which frankly would have done nothing to change the situation, but would make Cast Members feel better about the company they work for.

The statement was posted by Scott Gustin on Twitter:

In a new email to employees, Disney CEO Bob Chapek apologizes for the company’s “silence” regarding Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill:

“You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry.” pic.twitter.com/4px8AQbFhS

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) March 11, 2022

Here is that statement:

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.

For the time being Disney is going to pause political contributions in Florida.

I would argue they need to stop all political contributions in general and call it a day. Because if the take sides politically, it is going to hurt their bottom line a lot. It’s better to give to none and focus on company issues instead of political ones. Bob Chapek has already seemed to want the company to be apolitical and in this day and age, that is the best way to go.

Source: Scott Gustin, A friend, WDWNT