Senior leaders across Disney’s (NYSE:DIS) creative studios have reportedly expressed their frustration to CEO Bob Chapek about his handling of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida.
Chapek met with senior leadership groups from the media giant’s creative studios after the company’s annual meeting March 9. Many were reportedly upset with Disney’s reluctance to take a firm stand against the bill.
Employees also raised concerns in the wake of the meeting, saying Chapek didn’t respond critically to homophobic comments made by a shareholder during the Q&A period, according to the people, who asked to remain anonymous to discuss internal conversations at Disney.
Chapek and Disney faced pressure for not coming out earlier in opposition to the Parental Rights in Education bill in Florida. The legislation prohibits discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools for kindergarten through third grade. It has been dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” and criticized by advocates who believe the bill could do harm to marginalized people.
In the past week, executives have been hosting town halls and meeting with employees to hear their frustrations and concerns, the people said.
Some were reassured by an email Chapek sent Friday to express his commitment to support and engage with the LGBTQ+ community and to pause all political donations in Florida, pending review.
Still, many of those people say they are waiting to see the company take appropriate action against the bill. Some employees have organized a walkout, in protest, on Tuesday.
DIS shares faded 28 cents to $139.19