Bob Chapek Tells Disney Cast Members, “I Let You Down”

It’s been a controversial issue that has left many fans of Disney questioning their loyalty – and their Annual Passholder status.

Disney has focused on its Inclusion Key in its Disney Parks and movie portfolio but has recently been scrutinized for its silence regarding a new bill in Florida.

Thousands of Disney’s Cast Members felt betrayed by The Walt Disney Company after it remained silent on the passing of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill. Critics have dubbed the bill the “Don’t Say Gay” bill and worry that it would target the LGBTQ+ community, restricting conversations about gender and LGBTQ+ identities in schools.

Both fans and Cast Members slammed Disney CEO Bob Chapek for his memo to staff, in which he finally broke his silence on Florida’s controversial bill. His lackluster response has now led to Chapek sending a second memo, apologizing for his lack of action and defense.

The Parental Rights in Education Bill, which passed at the end of February, has caused outrage among the LGBTQ+ community for its restrictions and prejudice.

Back on March 3, Disney released a short, neutral statement regarding the Florida bill that focused on the company’s “content” and “culture”, saying, “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.”

This short message caused a backlash in the Disney fanbase, which led to divisive Disney CEO Bob Chapek sending out a company-wide email addressing the controversial “Don’t Say Gay Bill” in the Florida Legislation. Chapek fell short of denouncing the legislation and said focused again on Disney’s content in its theme parks and entertainment.

Now, Chapek has sent another message to his staff, in what many are calling “too little, too late”.

Today, March 11, Chapek sent a long, apologetic message to staff saying “I am sorry”, and reveals that Disney will be pausing all donations to Florida politicians.

The Orlando Sentinel reported that Disney had funded all of the sponsors and co-sponsors of the Florida legislation, including Dennis Baxley.

This is a bold move from Chapek, who has up until now not taken any tangible action against the bill. Prior to this memo, Chapek had repeatedly said that the best thing Disney could do was continue to create inclusive content and Pride events at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Chapek further admits that he “missed the mark” in his initial response, and now wants his employees to know that he is an ally to them and will be working hard to prove that.

During the 2022 Shareholders Meeting on March 9, Bob Chapek said that The Walt Disney Company would be donating $5 million to the Human Rights Campaign. The HRC rejected the offer, citing that Disney needed to do more to fight for some of its most vulnerable Cast Members.

It looks like Chapek listened to his continuing declining reputation, siand is now fighting for the Disney LGBTQ+ community. He ends the email with, “I will be an outspoken champion for the protections, visibility, and opportunity you deserve.”

The email, which was shared with The Hollywood Reporter, can be read in full below:

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