Disney's CEO apologized for the company's political donations being stopped in Florida due to the state's gay bill.
Bob Chapek apologized in a statement to colleagues and the LGBTQ+ community published Friday.
During the company's annual shareholder meeting Wednesday, he made comments about supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
The Disney Company faced pressure this week for not opposing the Parental Rights in Education bill in Florida. The legislation forbids the teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools for kindergarten through third grade.
The bill has been dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill by some who think it could harm marginalized populations.
Disney, which operates four theme parks and dozens of hotels in Florida, was targeted by activists after it was discovered that the company provided financial support for some of the bill's backers.
The company is looking at its approach to advocacy.
I missed the mark in this case but I will be an outspoken champion for the protections, visibility, and opportunity you deserve.
The entertainment giant has made diversity and inclusion a major part of its corporate policies. The bill's silence was a statement of its own.
The employees see the power of the company as an opportunity to do good. We need to use our influence to promote that good, but also to stand up for the rights of all.
On Wednesday, he told shareholders that he tried to meet with the governor of Florida to discuss the bill. According to a statement provided to CNBC, the office of the governor confirmed that a meeting had not yet been scheduled.
The Republican doubled down. According to a video obtained by Fox News, Ron DeSantis said there was a chance he was going to reverse his position on the bill.
Disney is going to criticize parents and the fact that they don't want trans people in kindergarten.
If the hill they are going to die on is the Communist Party of China, how do they explain their relationship with them? They don't say a word about the brutal practices that you see over there, because they make a lot of money doing that.
In Florida, our policies have to be based on the best interests of our citizens, not on the musings of corporations.
Comments about Disney's relationship with the Communist Party of China has been a common criticism of the entertainment company. Disney was one of several studios to suspend theatrical releases in Russia over the country's invasion of Ukraine, but has not made similar overtures in China for the treatment of Uyghurs, who are facing human rights abuses.
Disney thanked government entities in Xinjiang in the credits of its live action adaption of Mulan, which was partially filmed in the province.
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