When you think of Disney, you may only think about their movies, merchandise, and theme parks. But, Disney and some of its current or former leaders can be very much involved in the community and political matters as well.
©The Walt Disney Company
In 2020, we saw Executive Chairman Bob Iger serve for a period of time on California’s Business Recovery Task Force, although he ultimately chose to leave it. Disney also donated millions to social justice nonprofit organizations last year.
In light of last week’s events at the Capitol, the Walt Disney Company has again decided to take action. The company has confirmed it will not make any political contributions to lawmakers who voted to reject the certification of electoral votes for Joe Biden.
According to Deadline, a Disney spokesperson has said the following: “The insurrection at our nation’s Capitol was a direct assault on one of our country’s most revered tenets: the peaceful transition of power. In the immediate aftermath of that appalling siege, Members of Congress had an opportunity to unite—an opportunity that some sadly refused to embrace. In light of these events, we have decided we will not make political contributions in 2021 to lawmakers who voted to reject the certification of the Electoral College votes.”
Walt Disney Company Logo
But, Disney isn’t alone. The Motion Picture Association (“MPA”) has decided to act similarly. Patrick Kilcur, executive vice president for U.S. government affairs for the Motion Picture Association said, “we have decided to suspend for the foreseeable future all contributions to Members of Congress who voted to challenge the certification of the votes of the Electoral College.” Member companies of the Motion Picture Association include Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Entertainment, and Netflix Studios.
Gingerbread Display
Disney and the MPA join Comcast, AT&T, Marriott, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and American Express, who have also decided to take similar steps.
We’ll be on the lookout for more updates regarding the Walt Disney Company and let you know what we see. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates.
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It’s good to read GOOD news at a time like this.
Disney did the RIGHT thing.
I found the story about Hallmark taking this stand funny too. I heard on the PBS News Hour that they asked for their money back! And they got a bunch of advertising on the show as a result -of photos of cards and movies. LRS
As I have said before, Disney should stay out of the political arena. If they have so much money they wish to donate, give it to organizations that really help people. Like impoverished, homeless, or people affected by covid who have lost so much. There are better places to spend that money and you would really be doing good. By continuing to donate to political interests, you are making it a harder decision to love Disney.