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Governor DeSantis stated that the former Disney CEO did not wish for Disney to become involved, but was under significant pressure to take a stance against the bill.
The former CEO of Disney allegedly faced pressure from the “woke left” during a conflict in Florida over an education law that was labeled by activists as a “don’t say gay law.” According to a book, Governor DeSantis recounted a conversation he had with the former CEO, where the CEO expressed reluctance to involve Disney in the controversy, but faced significant pressure to take a stance against the law.
Governor DeSantis shares the details of the conversation he had with Bob Chapek, former CEO of Disney, in a chapter of his upcoming memoir, “The Courage to be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for American Revival.” This chapter was exclusively shared with Fox News Digital and sheds light on the conversation that took place during the height of the conflict over Florida’s education law in the spring of 2022.
did not want Disney to take a stand in the controversy over the Parental Rights in Education Act, but was under significant pressure to do so. Chapek reportedly told DeSantis that while Disney often faced pressure, the level of pressure being exerted in this particular case was unlike anything he had experienced before.
Chapek publicly expressed concern about the legislation in a call with shareholders, saying that he called DeSantis on March 9 to urge him not to sign the law. The legislation in question is the Parental Rights in Education Act, which prohibits public schools from teaching certain topics related to sexuality to students in kindergarten through third grade. Although the legislature does not use the term “Don’t say gay bill,” some activists have used this term to describe the legislation. Chapek expressed concern that the law could be used to unfairly target LGBTQ+ children and families.
Chapek stated that he had called Governor DeSantis that morning to communicate their dismay and apprehension that the legislation, if enacted, could potentially discriminate against gay, lesbian, non-binary, and transgender children and families.
As per a report from the New York Post, Chapek had reportedly shown reluctance to involve Disney in political matters in Florida, where Disney World is located. However, the mounting pressure campaign within Disney and from Democrats nationwide eventually convinced him to take a stance.
DeSantis continues to win while potential 2024 candidate Trump settles into Florida governorship.DeSantis cautioned that if Disney intervened in the legislation, he and others may question why the company has remained silent on issues such as their business dealings in China. DeSantis ultimately agreed with Chapek’s hesitancy to involve Disney in the political matter.
DeSantis warned that if Disney chose to get involved in politics, he would question why the company remained silent about China, where they were making a profit. He agreed with Chapek that if the law passed, Disney would be outraged for two days and if he signed it, there would be another 48 hours of online outrage. DeSantis also added that the media outrage was aimed at a political narrative rather than the actual text of the law.
DeSantis accused Chapek and Disney of caving to pressure from left-wing media and activists and promoting a false narrative against the bill. He was surprised when Disney decided to challenge the law in court, leading him to consider reevaluating their tax district and corporate deals if they continued with “awakened” political activism. There were also reports that Disney shared “woke” messages on gender and sexuality in their content, with a leaked call suggesting a show producer adding “queerness” to a children’s program.
In his memoir, DeSantis expressed discomfort with Disney’s special arrangement due to his role as a father. He stated that while the company had the right to engage in woke activism, it did not need to be placed on a pedestal by Florida, particularly when such activism infringed on parents’ rights and children’s well-being. When Florida attempted to revoke Disney’s self-governing status and Reedy Creek district, DeSantis was surprised by the leftist voices that supported the corporation.
Disney’s involvement in woke politics has caused conservative backlash, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressing discomfort with the company’s special arrangements. Democrats supported Disney’s self-governing status, surprising DeSantis when Florida moved to strip the company of its Reedy Creek district. DeSantis argues that in an environment of “awakened capital,” old-fashioned corporate republicanism is insufficient. He believes fighting for conservative principles benefits Florida and the country. Former CEO Bob Chapek left in 2022 and was replaced by Bob Iger, who aims to calm controversies and negative impacts on the company.
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