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Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Bob Chapek responded to criticism on Wednesday that his company had become “too awake”.
Speaking at the Wall Street Journal’s Tech Live conference, he said Disney’s programming will engage audiences and reflect the “rich, diverse” world of viewers.
“The world is a rich, diverse place and we want our content to reflect that,” said Chapek.
Disney and Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have been at odds over the state’s parental rights in education law.
DISNEY’S NEW ANIMATED SHORT ‘REFLECT’ WITH FIRST OVERSIZED HEROINE, DECISION RAISES MIXED FAN REACTIONS
| ticker | security | Last | change | change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIS | THE WALT DISNEY CO. | 105.95 | +1.51 | +1.45% |
In response to pressure from employees and industry members, Disney, in a March tweet, urged Florida lawmakers to repeal the measure, saying it is “committed to advocating for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ members of the Disney family and the LGBTQ+ community.” “. Florida and across the country.”
FILE PHOTO: Disney Chief Executive Officer Bob Chapek speaks at the 2022 Disney Legends Awards during Disney’s D23 Expo in Anaheim, California on September 9, 2022. (Portal/Mario Anzuoni / Portal Photos)
Chapek issued a statement to employees apologizing for not speaking out on the issue sooner and saying all political donations in the state would be suspended pending review.
According to the Center for Responsive Politics, The Walt Disney Co. and its affiliates made more than $20 million in political contributions to Republicans and Democrats during the 2020 campaign cycle.
LGBTQ workers and their supporters protested CEO Bob Chapek’s handling of the staffing controversy over Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act on March 22, 2022 in Burbank, California. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images/Getty Images)
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Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the law into law, telling reporters that Disney had “crossed the line.”
Participants are reflected in the Disney+ logo during the Walt Disney D23 Expo in Anaheim, California on September 9, 2022. (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Florida later revoked the state’s special status that allowed it to essentially self-govern its Walt Disney World complex.
When asked what he learned from the situation, Chapek said he was reminded of the importance of Disney cast members’ feelings on similar issues “to make them feel like they’re part of The Walt Disney Company.” .
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“My own personal feelings don’t really matter,” he added. “It’s important how people think about our company.”
Portal and The Associated Press contributed to this report.