Disney creative leaders express frustration to CEO Chapek over response to Florida bill

Senior leaders across Disney’s creative studios have expressed their annoyance to CEO Bob Chapek about his handling of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida, inside sources told CNBC.

Chapek met with senior leadership groups from the media giant’s creative studios after the company’s annual meeting last Wednesday. Many have expressed frustration with Disney’s reluctance to take a firm stand against the bill, the people said.

Some employees have organized a walkout. The walkout is set to coincide with the time of a company “reimagine tomorrow” event. It’s unclear how many people will participate in the walkout as only a small percentage of employees are working onsite.

Some employees 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.

Chapek’s email to employees on Friday addressed the broader frustration. He wrote: “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.”

He continued, “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.”