One day after Disney CEO Bob Chapek came out against the Parental Rights in Education bill, Governor Ron DeSantis responded forcefully with references to China and woke corporations.
On Wednesday, Chapek addressed the parental rights legislation at a shareholders meeting by saying, “I know that many are upset that we did not speak out against the bill. We were opposed to the bill from the outset, but we chose not to take a public position on it because we felt we could be more effective working behind the scenes. …”
Chapek told shareholders that in a call to DeSantis he expressed his disappointment and “concern that if the legislation becomes law it could be used to target LGBTQ+ kids and families.”
Chapek also noted that Disney is “reassessing our approach to advocacy, including political giving in Florida and beyond.”
Late Thursday, DeSantis told supporters in Boca Raton there is “zero” chance he’s going to reverse his position on disallowing the instruction of “transgenderism in kindergarten classrooms.”
And then DeSantis responded to Chapek’s comments
“How do they possibly explain lining their pockets with their relationship from the Communist Party of China? Because that’s what they do, and they make a fortune, and they don’t say a word about the really brutal practices at the hands of the CCP,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis continued.
“Companies that have made a fortune catering to families should understand that parents don’t want this injected into their kid’s kindergarten classroom. Our policies will be based on the best interest of Florida citizens, not the musing of woke corporations.” DeSantis said.
Disney has been criticized in the national media and by progressive elected officials in Florida for not publicly opposing the legislation.
Florida Representative Anna V. Eskamani, who represents parts of Orlando, called on “the Walt Disney Company to STOP donating to the campaigns of state lawmakers that sponsor anti-LGBTQ+bills, like the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. …”
And now it is DeSantis who is criticizing Disney.
Steve Mort, editor with Central Florida’s PBS station, tweeted, “It seems that @Disney has managed to unite Democrats and Republicans … around behind angry at them. Some may say a total public relations disaster for the company.”
DeSantis spokesperson Christina Pushaw responded by noting that “Corporations should stop meddling in social issues and waging progressive culture wars. It’s a lose lose situation for them. Just drop the woke nonsense and stay in your lane, corporations.”
The bill is currently awaiting action from DeSantis after passing the House 69-47 and the Senate 22-17.
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Steve Stewart is a senior contributor at The Florida Capital Star.
Photo “Ron DeSantis” by Gage Skidmore CC BY-SA 2.0.
Republished with permission.
DeSantis Responds to Disney CEO; Cites China Connections, Woke Corporations added by Steve Stewart on
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Disney priced themselves out of my Wallet over a Decade ago. Toddlers do not need to be learning about any of this.
Sadly, the extreme progressive left got a hold of the Disney empire and turned it into a pedo playground. Their graphics division has had a blast with subliminal – and even blatant – Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Group messaging aimed at children.
@ Barb… you’re correct, and Bannon is dead-nuts-on with his coining of the legislation as the “anti-grooming” Bill. The lgbtwhatever crowd is absolutely targeting children with their immoral, unnatural, and unhealthy lifestyle agenda in hopes of recruiting and growing their number and cultural influence.
heh.
Anti-LGBT legislation
In 2022, Chapek refused to criticize anti-LGBT legislation that was passed in Florida.[48] Disney had a history of providing donations to the politicians who were behind the anti-LGBT legislation.[49] When criticized for these donations, Chapek declined to say whether Disney would stop providing donations to anti-LGBT legislators.[49] In response to the statement, Disney employees such as The Owl House creator Dana Terrace,[50] The Ghost and Molly McGee director Samantha C. King,[51] Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. writer Drew Z. Greenberg,[51] filmmaker Abigail Disney,[52] and Andi Mack star Lilan Bowden,[51] along with other writers and animators,[53] like the co-creator of Craig of the Creek, Matt Burnett,[52] called on Disney to stand against the bill.
A day following the statement, Chapek made plans to meet with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis; claiming that the company was “opposed to the bill from the outset” and would be donating to LGTBQ+ organizations.[54] However, the Human Rights Campaign refused the funds from Disney until “meaningful action” is taken. [55]
The seven City and County Commissioners who voted for stadium seats and were sellouts to their mega-donors rather than humanity should take note that you don’t have to sell your soul to special interests.
Ron DeSantis Best Governor in America!
A Skeptic is correct. Walt Disney is rolling over in his grave. Disney puts out immoral movies children should not watch.
47 in waiting does not need Disney to be inaugurated to the highest office in the land and become leader of the free world. Yeah we will still keep the mouse in Orlando…but that was a nice stiff arm planted in the chest of that woke @55 Disney CEO there Governor. Let’s Go 47 Let’s Go 47 Let’s Go 47
Damn, but I love this governor!
Disney should look inward and find their roots. Walt built and sponsored family entertainment where parents and children played and laughed together. He would be neither proud nor a fan of the machine that the Disney corporations have become.
Good for Governor DeSantis for calling out the self-righteous hypocritical Disney Corp.
Steve Bannon referred to the bill as the “anti-grooming” bill which seems to be a concise and accurate description. People are tired of being played by the left; victimizing you while claiming to be the victim.
Parents not only don’t want this “instruction” (aka grooming) in grades k-3, they don’t want it in grades k-12.