In all forms of art and even more so in cinema, questions of inclusion and diversity are now a major issue. Studios as big as Disney are obviously on the front line and have to lead by example in some way. But where some viewers sometimes denounce an “overflow” of inclusiveness, it is on the contrary that the firm is accused in Florida.
A homophobic law that goes wrong
It’s hard to imagine that such a thing could still happen in 2022, and yet! In Florida, elected officials voted in early March for a law that will be described as “morally dubious”, and aimed at banning teaching around LGBT + issues (gender identity, sexual orientation, etc.) at school. As much to say it right away, this bill called “Don’t Say Gay” by its opponents is far from unanimous. Joe Biden himself openly opposed it, while demonstrations multiplied all over the state of Florida. But, more unexpectedly, Disney also took it for its rank.
Florida is home to the largest Walt Disney World Resort in the world. The big-eared society is particularly influential there, and that is why his silence on this bill shocks many people. It was only recently that Bob Chapek, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, spoke openly on the subject: “I want to be crystal clear: I and the entire leadership team unequivocally support our LGBTQ+ employees, their families, and their communities. And we are committed to creating a more inclusive company and world.”. Words welcome, but too late. Especially since the firm would have things to be ashamed of.
Between inaction and share of responsibility, Disney strongly criticized
This late speech therefore only occurred following the multiplication of criticism against Disney. This would obviously not be due to a lack of interest in the issue, but to a desire not to see any position taken by the company being exploited, despite the insistence of many employees wanting more concrete actions. In any case, this is what Bob Chapek would have said to them.
But the biggest criticism leveled at Disney is this: according to a recent newsletter post Popular Information, the company is said to have paid nearly $200,000 over the past two years to some of the politicians who voted for the “Don’t Say Gay” law. However, it is important to specify that this was “sponsorship” linked to the company’s business and in no way out of a desire to fund the controversial bill. As for Bob Chapek, he tried to justify the passivity that Disney was able to show. Everyone will have their own opinion, but not sure if the LGBT+ community is happy with such a statement.
I believe the best way for our company to bring lasting change is through the inspiring content we produce, the welcoming culture we create, and the diverse community organizations we support. Bob Chapek
It should be noted, however, that since the start of the controversy, Disney has signed, alongside 170 other companies, a joint statement opposing the law “Don’t Say Gay”. Bob Chapek meanwhile pledged to donate $5 million to the LGBTQ cause.
