In a letter issued to employees on March 11, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said the company will pause all political donations in Florida after intense criticism over how the media giant responded to Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill, NBC News reported.
Chapek also apologized to his colleagues for not taking a more forceful stand against what activists call the "Don't Say Gay" legislation in Florida.
"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," Chapek said in the letter, which was published on Disney's website.
The letter continued, "Starting immediately, we are increasing our support for advocacy groups to combat similar legislation in other states. We are hard at work creating a new framework for our political giving that will ensure our advocacy better reflects our values. And today, we are pausing all political donations in the state of Florida pending this review. But, I know there is so much more work to be done. I am committed to this work and to you all, and will continue to engage with the LGBTQ+ community so that I can become a better ally. You will hear more about our progress in the coming weeks."
The "Don't Say Gay" bill, has passed both houses of the state's legislature and now heads to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has previously expressed support for it.
Disney World's "Gay Days" are slated to take place May 31-June 6 in Orlando.
