Disney CEO apologizes for silence on ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

Disney CEO Bob Chapek apologized to employees today for the company's failure to speak out against the bill.

In an internal memo, Chapek addressed the criticism of Disney's silence in response to the bill. The message was addressed to all Disney employees.

Thank you to everyone who reached out to me sharing their pain, frustration and sadness over the company's response to the Florida bill. It is clear that this is not just an issue about a bill in Florida, but also another challenge to basic human rights. I let you down by not being a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights. I am sorry.

The head of Disney told employees that Disney would not respond to the bill publicly despite operating a massive business empire in the state. The Parental Rights in Education prohibits the discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity with students at certain grade levels and would allow parents to bring legal action against school districts that address them.

The best way for our company to bring about lasting change is through the inspiring content we produce.

The backlash from the initial response was swift, with the company facing criticism that it had failed not only the LGBTQ+ community but specifically its employees and families in Florida who may be directly impacted by the bill.

Disney employees requested in a memo that the company take a stand against the bill. As one of Florida's largest employers, they wrote, and one currently relocating even more employees to the state, it is the Company's responsibility to protect these individuals.

In his apology to employees today, he wrote that the company will increase its support for groups fighting similar legislation in other states. Disney is creating a new framework for our political giving that will ensure our advocacy better reflects our values, as well as pausing all political donations in Florida.

The full memo can be read 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.