in
Tags:

Disney Employees ‘Stage Walkout’ Across The US

Disney employees across the US have 'staged a walkout' over CEO Bob Chapek's response to a bill on homosexuality in Florida. 
Credit: Alamy

Disney employees across the US have ‘staged a walkout’ over CEO Bob Chapek’s response to a bill on homosexuality in Florida. 

Dubbed the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, HB 1557 is legislation that prohibits children up to the age of nine from being taught about ‘sexual orientation or gender identity’.

Chapek and Disney have remained largely silent on the controversy, and activists are urging them to take a more ‘forceful’ approach.

Find out more details about the staff ‘walkout’ below… 

In a statement on its website, it said: “The Walt Disney Company’s (TWDC) LGBTQIA+ community and their allies are determined to take a stand against TWDC’s apathy in the face of the bigoted ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill put forth by the FL state legislature.”

It was reported that the CEO told Disney shareholders the company had been working ‘behind the scenes’ with politicians ‘to achieve a better outcome,’ instead of making an early public statement.

Chapek later apologised to employees for taking this stance in a letter that was published on Disney’s website.

Disney Fans Slam ‘Woke’ Decision To Axe Seven Dwarfs From ‘Snow White’ Following Backlash

It read: “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.”

He then acknowledged that ‘more work is to be done’ and said the company will commit to this by ‘increasing support for advocacy groups’ and ‘creating a new framework for political giving’.

The letter finished by saying: “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 protection, visibility, and opportunity you deserve.”

Watch our Video of the Day below…

Do you have a story for us? If so, email us at [email protected]. All contact will be treated in confidence.

Written by Aimee Walker

Aimee is a senior content editor at IGV who specialises in finding the best original stories, trending topics and entertainment news. She graduated from Birmingham City University with a degree in Media and Communications.