Disney executive Geoff Morrell, who helped craft response to ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law, leaves company after three months

Disney employee Nicholas Maldonado holds a sign while protesting outside of Walt Disney World on March 22, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. Employees are staging a company-wide walkout today to protest Walt Disney Co.’s response to controversial legislation passed in Florida known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

The chief corporate affairs officer at Disney decided to leave the company.

After three months in this new role, it has become clear to me that it is not the right fit.

Disney has hired a new communications leader, who will report directly to the CEO. According to a note to Disney staff, Schake will have oversight for corporate and segment communications and continue to be the chief spokesman.

The three-month tenure of Morrell has been rocky. He was the chief spokesman for the oil and energy giant. He was a White House correspondent for ABC News and a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Defense.

According to people who worked with him, he wanted to be more transparent with Disney's communication than his predecessor, Zenia Mucha.

After starting his job, Morrell helped Disney and Chapek explain why they hadn't taken a public stand on Florida's gay legislation. In a letter to staff, Chapek explained why Disney hadn't made a statement condemning the legislation.

Corporate statements are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame.

According to people familiar with the matter, Morrell's thinking was based on setting precedent. He was worried that Disney would have to fight future human rights issues, including potential offenses from China, if they took a public stand against gay rights. If Disney opposed the bill, it would be used as a punching bag by the bill's supporters.

Disney reversed its decision to stay silent after large protests from Disney employees. The Disney public challenge of "Don't Say Gay" has led to the removal of certain privileges granted to Disney decades ago.

By explaining Disney's decision not to take a stand on gay rights, Morrell's strategy opened up the company for months. Disney employees have held walkouts and run social media campaigns with the #FireChapek after the company's dithering response.

Disney's brand is arguably its most important asset, and the company has largely avoided these types of public relations gaffes in the past. In the past two months, Morrell has announced his immediate resignation.

State senator says Disney tried to bring California values to Florida.