Iger credited his ability to get founders to sell him assets to his intense focus on building personal relationships. However, its not what Chapek said at the time. "Right now, the course that Bob has laid is one that we fully intend to follow and I think will pay dividends for our shareholders for years to come," he said. Park officials reeeeeaaally dont want headlines with racist chant in them. Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. In addition to addressing Disney directly, Madison also acknowledged that the issue is much larger than the single company. Wright then expounded at length on his political views. All Rights Reserved. These cast members were already reticent to uproot their lives for Disney. This priority caused him to lose sight of the challenges in working with Hollywood talents. Disney CEO Bob Chapek gets close to GOP lawmakers ahead of "I became a little bit more dismissive of other people's opinions than I should have been," said Iger. Now, of course, taking Meet a Disney Cast Member Advocating for Accessible Technology, Where Was Grogu During The Sequel Trilogy? I think my role is not to take the strategic pillars he's so well established over the last 15 years and continue to work on those and implement those in the marketplace, most importantly our direct-to-consumer initiatives, but at the same time look around the corner for what disruption might be going on in the marketplace that would necessitate a fresh look at those things.". On Monday, Disney and CEO Bob Chapek sent an internal memo following reports that the company had donated thousands of dollars to Florida representatives On Monday, Disney and CEO Bob Chapek sent an internal memo following reports that the company had donated thousands of dollars to Florida representatives that supported and voted for the Parental Rights in Education bill. While Iger didn't speak about specific decisions, he said he was increasingly invalidating points from co-workers because he'd "heard every argument before." That philosophy applies to Disneys park behavior during the pandemic as well. DeSantis backs down from his commitment to doing whats best for Floridas children and parents. Heinz, and in advertising at J. Walter Thompson. "His history in all the divisions that really matter really is very supportive of him taking on that role. Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek last year complained to Florida Gov. So, Disney had to do many of these things, and I would agree with you. It sounds about right. Everyone knew that was a lie. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. 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.". He states his positions situationally for his personal profit. It states that "classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.". ", WATCH: Disney's Bob Iger turns CEO job to Chapek. Chapek took on the role of CEO back in February of 2020 from Bob Iger, right before the entire world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. WebOn Monday, Chapek sent a Morrell-approved company-wide email claiming that he preferred to speak through Disney content and behind-the-scenes machinations. FLORIDIOT: DeSantis Disney lackey thinks tap water makes you gay. Ron DeSantis said that ex-Disney CEO Bob Chapek complained to him about the pressure he was under from the left [WOKEs] to join in on the Governors new education bill restricting gender identity lessons, PK-3. Most of the decisions appear understandable in isolation. REUTERS. We need Disneys partnership in getting the bills heading to [Gov. WebCanada Disney CEO Bob Chapek Apologizes to LGBTQ Employees, Announces Pause for Political Donations in Florida variety This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast 29K 7 1.6K Related Topics Politics 1.6K comments Best AutoModerator 1 yr. ago As a reminder, this subreddit is for civil discussion. Powered and implemented byFactSet Digital Solutions. Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference at the Eau Gallie High School aviation hangar on March 22, 2021. All Rights Reserved. pic.twitter.com/OWsGTUoeCA, Christopher F. Rufo (@realchrisrufo) March 29, 2022, SCOOP: Ive obtained video from inside Disneys all-hands meeting about the Florida parental rights bill, in which executive producer Latoya Raveneau says her team has implemented a not-at-all-secret gay agenda and is regularly adding queerness to childrens programming. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Read More. FAQ - New Privacy Policy, New York Posts Karol Markowicz discusses how Disney is pushing back against Floridas parental rights bill and how she is quitting the park on Fox Business Tonight.. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 2023 CNBC LLC. In that role, he reorganized the business to cut costs and oversaw a number of popular toy crazes from franchises like "Frozen.". "Parks is the only business they have, before [streaming], that's direct to consumer.". The controversial Project Veritas is the same group that published footage of ABC anchor Amy Robach claiming ABC News executives killeda story that would have exposed the now-deceased sex offenderJeffrey Epsteinthree years ago. "I would consider myself a socialist,like I think there should be national health insurance," he said. He is the guilty party. Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. Many of them have led to price increases. "It's development of a relationship," Iger said. He knew how to grow the business while adjusting to the changing marketplace, which was intense." The political mistake ties back to a previous choice. Iger said he had to convince founders that he wouldn't disappoint them after completing an acquisition. During the town hall, Chapek repeated his expression of regret about the companys decision not to take a public stance against the bill, given the large number of its employees it affected. Apparently, a Texas high school doesnt know what year it is and still performs a routine featuring Indianettes.. He was the ABC News anchor caught on hot mic claiming network killed Jeffery Epstein bombshell. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. "Bob's legacy in the company is just profound. Before joining Disney, Chapek worked in brand management at ketchup maker H.J. 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 said at the time. "Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that. Justin Danhof, the general counsel for the National Center for Public Policy Research, cited data showing ABC News is overwhelmingly negative toward President Trump and mentioned other scandals that have come out of the news division in recent memory when speaking to Chapek at the company's annual investor's meeting. Chapek and Disneys past public silence on the controversial HB 1557/SB 1834 bill ignited an internal revolt among the companys LGBTQ employees and their allies, leading to the CEO apologizing Friday for not being a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights., You may have seen the news earlier this week that HRC is not going to take any funding from Disney until we see them take real action to defeat hateful legislation in Florida, the HRC interim leader said during her speech at the Saturday event. At this point, I felt confident he knew what he was doing because that was the right move. On top of the stock woes, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has become a punching bag for cultural critics. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Thats what has happened, though. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis. Here are Disney's major milestones under Bob Iger's leadership. The award winning agents at MickeyTravels are ready to help you book a truly magical vacation! Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis. As a new CEO, he was easily victimized. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Disney has been able to build a robust library of kids movies while using the IP to churn out spinoffs and sequels, adding new content to its flagship streaming service, Disney+, to keep people paying month after month. Its going to be a recurring theme here. 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. Chapek has a career as an American media executive. or redistributed. https://1792exchange.com/spotlightreports/. Disneys CEO transition from Bob Iger to Bob Chapek marked a shift from an outspoken, famous CEO with political ambitions, to a largely unfamiliar name whose Analytics cookies help website owners to understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and reporting information anonymously. Iger also discussed his strategy around buying animation studio Pixar, comic book and action hero company Marvel Entertainment, and Lucasfilm, home of Star Wars. With Jobs, Iger said he "was never disappointed" with Disney's integration of Pixar. However, once the show started, well, it got awkward fast. Im a devout believer that the least excusable mistakes stem from self-inflicted wounds and unforced errors. All rights reserved. DeSantis signed the bill into law last March 28, which prompted Disney to publicly rip the new law and stand with Disneys LGBTQ employees and advocates in Florida. "Im totally fine with reining in corporations, I think theyre too many billionaires, and I think theres a wealth gap thats a problem. During the pandemic, Disney has ramped up its usage of high school performers at theme parks, especially Magic Kingdom. He also played a key role in the commercialization of the studio's film business. In lieu of the management retreat, the plan is for the leadership of the media company to go on a listening tour with employees, according to a person familiar with the strategy. Disney CEO Bob Chapek is pausing all of the companys political donations in Florida following the passage of the Dont Say Gay bill, a major escalation in his feud Disney CEO Chapek Bob Chapek Tuesday said he doesnt really see Disney as characterizing itself as left-leaning or right-leaning responding to a shareholder who 2023 CNBC LLC. In "The Courage to Be Free," the governor describes a conversation with former CEO Bob Chapek about Disney's political activities. Unfortunately, theresnothing inclusive about the Dont Say Gay bill. In March, Disney became entangled in a heated dispute with Gov. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via / Getty Images). Bob Chapek was born Robert Alan Chapek on August 21, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Chapek allegedly told him he didnt want to get involved but hadnt seen anything like it, but thats not what he said in public. At another point in the town hall, the companys HR chief addressed the Florida situation and also affirmed that the company would oppose an effort by Texas Gov. All Rights Reserved. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Look no further! The website cannot function properly without these cookies. All Rights Reserved. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung / AP Newsroom). The original town hall event was announced on March 2, and then on Friday was moved to today so people could attend Tuesdays walkout if they so chose. You will be redirected back to your article in, Paramount To Pay $122.5M To Settle 2019 Shareholder Lawsuit Over Viacom-CBS Merger, Film Independent Spirit Awards: Livestream + Latest Winners List, posted stellar financial results in February, Prolific Actor Dies At 61 After Aneurysm; Hollywood Reax + Career In Photos, Eyes $51M+ Opening In U.S., A Record For Rocky Spinoff Franchise & Amazon, SAG-AFTRA And Casting Directors Weigh In On Self-Tape Controversy, Oscar Winner Guillermo del Toro On The Films That Lit His Fuse. I am sorry. He will be the seventh CEO in Disney's nearly 100-year history. For the past 18 months, Disney has fallen into the latter category as leadership has accidentally caused as many screw-ups as it has fixed. Critics have depicted the bill as hurtful to LGBTQ inclusiveness and dubbed it the "Don't Say Gay" bill. The event concluded with a fireside chat from Nadine Smith of Equality Florida and Latondra Newton, Disneys Chief Diversity Officer. Starting immediately, we are increasing our support for advocacy groups to combat similar legislation in other states, Chapek wrote, possibly referring to a similar measure proposed in Georgia and bills targeting transgender children in Texas and Idaho. Iger decided to remain as chairman for nearly the past two years after giving up his CEO role to Chapek in February 2020. In addition to pledging to enlist an outside adviser to guide the companys efforts, Chapek also is creating a companywide task force led by studios SVP Global Communications Paul Roeder and Disney Parks marketing executive Lisa Becket. 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. Contribution We want to hear from you! The Florida bill hasnt factored into investors views as of yet, though the companys stock has been languishing near a 52-week low. Chapek cared too much about his needs and not enough about those of others. ABC News declined to comment when reached by Fox News. When Chapek took the job as head of Disney, critics lamented his lack of experience with the Hollywood studio system. Chapek has also personally condemned the bill most vigorously, albeit a week too late. I can assure you of that. John Oliver Calls Bob Chapeks Explanation For Disney Donations To Dont Say Gay Politicians Actively Insulting. Republicans argued the bill protects parental rights, while Democrats and LGBTQ groups contend it was intentionally vague and could have a chilling effect on teachers and students. 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. I think change, I think generally speaking, change is good. March 7th, 2022 Then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek comments further on the matter via an internal Disney memo. Ron DeSantis said that ex-Disney CEO Bob Chapek complained to him about the pressure he was under from the left [WOKEs] to join in on the Governors new education bill restricting gender identity lessons, PK-3. Corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds, he wrote, and are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide. So what Disney says means nothing? "Heres a suggestion for Disney CEO Bob Chapek: Get back to business, that is, excellence in storytelling, and stop wasting shareholders' money on political crusades that have nothing to do with Disneys business," Keating told Fox News Digital. Iger said he spent months personally getting to know Apple and Pixar founder Steve Jobs, Star Wars' creator George Lucas, former Marvel Chairman Ike Perlmutter and Fox controlling shareholder Rupert Murdoch. Still, DeSantis has continued to claim that Chapeks opposition is only because he hadnt bothered to read the bill, according to a DeSantis campaign email sent Thursday. A rep for ABC News toldFox News he would be reassigned after serving his suspension and an insider said he was hoodwinked into making the statements oncamera. ABC NEWS' AMY ROBACH CAUGHT ON HOT MIC SAYING NETWORK SPIKED HER EPSTEIN BOMBSHELL, Danhof asked Chapek directly, What steps can you take to return objectivity to ABC and when can we expect to see balanced coverage return?. It should never have reached that point, though. Robert Chapek. Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. Kathleen Kennedy Cites Impact Of Women, Artists Of Color And LGBTQ On Industry Amid Disney Dont Say Gay Backlash PGA Awards. New York CNN . Disney has since stated it will no longer donate to political campaigns. 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. Critics have cited specific concerns over sections of the bill, including the vague wording about banning classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity that isnt age appropriate that goes beyond the language about kindergarten through third grade. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Iger and the Disney board's decision to give Chapek the job surprised Wall Street and Disney executives, especially after Iger had repeatedly pushed off his retirement to stay as Disney's CEO. In totality, its one problematic mistake, though. Reporters uncovered the fact that Disney had donated to the campaigns of several sponsors of the bill. REUTERS. Disney allowed the drill team to perform based on an audition tape it had sent. The Mickey-Shaped Treats Trending Right Now! Bob Chapek at the Pinocchio premiere in December 2022. A source familiar with the situation told The Hollywood Reporter that HRC is still in active discussions with Disney around Chapeks initial financial pledge as well as the companys ongoing action around state legislation. The tech companies and entertainment companies here who have an influential presence across the country and around the world have an important role to play in fighting state-sanctioned discrimination wherever it exists., Madison said the country is at a tipping point, similar to the 2016 HB2 anti-trans bathroom legislation, or the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, in North Carolina and pointed to how companies that refused to expand business in the state, they pulled out of conferences, they canceled events impacted the fate of that bill. "I obviously have huge shoes to fill," Chapek told CNBC's Julia Boorstin on "Closing Bell" Tuesday. Source: pic.twitter.com/eJnZMpKIXT. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It sounds about right. Initially, complaints arose about the fact that Disney wasnt letting the drill team wear their headdresses. November 21, 2022 by Mary Bob Chapek was born Robert Alan Chapek on August 21, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The thought process here stems from the high cost of real estate in California relative to Florida. You will be redirected back to your article in, David Lindley Dies: Session Star And Multi-Instrumentalist With Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan Was 78, Film Independent Spirit Awards: Livestream + Latest Winners List, Will Moviegoers Lend An Ear To Children Of The Corn Remake? Ron DeSantis. Political Party Stances; 51% : Florida Gov. Political Party Stances; 51% : Florida Gov. "He was very, very concerned about Lucasfilm - in many respects his baby, his legacy and there was a trust there too that I think we demonstrated, that we could be trusted," Iger said about Lucas. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Disney CEO Bob Chapek recently responded to accusations of a company double standard during the Q&A portion of Disneys annual shareholder meeting.One shareholder held that Gina Carano was fired due to her conservative views, rather than the offensive nature of her fateful post, noting, as others have, that left-leaning co-star Pedro HB 1557/SB 1834, dubbed the Dont Say Gay bill,would seek to ban classroom discussion on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade and has been labeled a government censorship bill by the ACLU of Florida. Market data provided by Factset. Questionable decision-making and actions by Disney post-covid may be why a petition to fire Bob Chapek has been brought to fruition. Whether Disney CEO Bob Chapek had considered this before multiple shareholders pressed him about this bill this week during Disneys annual investors call isnt clear. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox. Disney chief executive Bob Chapek speaks during a ceremony on Sept. 11, 2015, at Hong Kong Disneyland. I thought of this belief in combination with the recent political dust-up Disney experienced. Robert ChapekPolitical Campaign Contributions2016 Election Cycle. However, in the wake of the Dont Say Gay legislation, such a move feels like a betrayal of their values. ", Nathanson said the selection of Chapek was not a surprise and a "win-win for the company.". Everything else is justifiable. Alas, Chapek fell too deeply in love with the idea of increasing Disney+ subscriber numbers. A Division of NBCUniversal. "Over time, I started listening less and maybe with a little less tolerance of other people's opinions, maybe because of getting a little bit more overconfident in my own, which is sometimes what happens when you get built up," Iger told CNBC's David Faber in an exclusive interview. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. The intention is to display ads that are relevant and engaging for the individual user and thereby more valuable for publishers and third party advertisers. Political Campaign Contributions. Im with the President on this! Igerwrote. Change isn't necessarily bad.". As such, he should have known how Hollywood works. He stepped down last year as CEO, succeeded by Bob Chapek, but has stayed on as chairman through the coronavirus pandemic. A Division of NBCUniversal. Iger will assume the role of executive chairman. Under pressure from LGBTQ activists and progressive employees some of whom who have walked out of the job in protest Disney's Chapeks eventually criticized the Florida legislation, paused all political giving in Florida and apologized to employees. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Interested in booking a Disney Vacation? Disney employees skew toward the pro-vaccine and anti-Dont Say Gay side, which is California, not Florida. They allegedly alsomade the workplace environment hostile. At the time, I dismissed those concerns, as Chapek had headed Disneys lucrative home video division. As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com The more combustible of those situations unfolded over House Bill 1557, the so-called Dont Say legislation. The company did this after adding a Fifth Key last year, Inclusion. "You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down," Chapek said in a statement on March. Bob Chapek was initially silent on Floridas controversial bill barring discussions of gender identity in school classrooms. The Wrap has reported that Imagineers have campaigned for Disney to reconsider. If Disney had merely maintained the status quo, a multi-coastal business operation, none of these headlines would dominate the media. What about the Disney black list? he asked. News of the postponement came as Disney CEO Bob Chapek conducted a town hall meeting for all employeesMonday. The company has also given more than $100,000 to the Friends of Ron DeSantis PAC since 2019. Market data provided by Factset. Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek privately complained to Florida Gov. Thanks to a reportedly massive payment Disney sent to Johansson, the two parties have since made up. Pixar deal completed to show Disney employees it was a new day, says former CEO Bob Iger, Disney's Bob Iger: Leaving during Covid was unfortunate timing, Charley Gallay | Getty Images; Patrick T. Fallon | Bloomberg | Getty Images, App-based entertainment is replacing linear channels like traditional media, says fmr. But that's neither good nor bad. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Chapek is in the third-year of a three-year contract as CEO that expires in February. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. News Analysis. 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. In his book, the Florida governor says the Disney sagas lesson is that in an environment of woke capital where large companies employ their influence to advance left-wing political agendas, old-guard corporate Republicanism is not up to the task at hand.. Chapek is far less publicly political than his predecessor, who once considered a run for the Democratic nomination for president. As many of its LGBTQ+ employees get set for a full-day walkout Tuesday, Disney has decided to postpone a management retreat set for next week as it continues efforts to calm internal waters. ABC NEWS SUSPENDS DAVID WRIGHT FOR REMARKS MADE IN PROJECT VERITAS VIDEO. In that scenario, someone less experienced with vetting is in charge. Michael Arnold. Send us a tip using our annonymous form. ABC Newsrecently suspended veteran Washington correspondent David Wright for remarks he made that were captured on video byProject Veritas. And Laurene and Steve and [Iger's wife] Willow [Bay] and I sat down at a dinner, and he toasted to the deal we had done some years earlier, convinced that it was the right thing to do for Disney and for Pixar. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. "Bob is probably the best qualified person in the company to take this job," Michael Nathanson, senior research analyst at MoffettNathanson, said on CNBC's "Closing Bell" Tuesday. He said the company was increasing support for advocacy document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. DeSantis signed the legislation into law this week that bars instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. It didnt happen long ago, so we should all remember how they behaved. Disney has gotten too expensive.. watch now. Even so, Disney has strengthened the belief that its park price increases are out of control. Then, it required many Golden State employees to switch coasts. Period. The actress was let go from the popular Lucasfilm and Disney series on Disney+ after she took to social media to, as Lucasfilm described it, post abhorrent material that compared the current divided political climate in the U.S. to Nazi Germany. 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