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When it comes to dealing with criticisms from anti-LGBT+ activists, it looks like Disney has taken a clear stand.
The Walt Disney Company’s annual meeting of shareholders this week prompted big news reveals and discussions regarding coronavirus and Disney stock. But when Disney was faced with criticism, new CEO Bob Chapek was quick to shut it down.
Anti-LGBT+ activist Caroline Farrow asked Disney officials during the Wednesday meeting whether it is “perhaps time to see what you can do to make Disney more family-friendly” and “safe for people around the world, not just one minority.” Farrow asked the question in regards to the plummeting Disney stock price.
Related: Woman who wanted to protest at “LGBT indoctrination” Disney World was banned from U.S.
Chapek, who was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company less than a month ago, quickly refuted the critic’s question. He shut down her claim that LGBT+ representation is what has led to the current status of Disney stock, and instead pointed out something that is more closely linked to the stock market right now: coronavirus.
“Well, thank you for your question. At Disney we strongly believe we should reflect in our creative content the diversity that we find in our fanbase and our audience,” Chapek said. “And I believe that will continue with an increased commitment as we move forward. We want to represent our audience. We believe we want to tell stories that our audience wants to hear that reflects their lives.”
He continued, “In terms of the stock price, there’s a lot of reasons why the stock price might be down…that has nothing to do with the issue you raised. It may have more to do with coronavirus and the worldwide pandemic that we’re facing.”
Disney had addressed coronavirus earlier in the shareholders call when former CEO and current chairman Bob Iger said the company is “sobered by the concern.” You can read that story here.
Farrow’s petition against Disney’s “LGBT indoctrination” remains online, with hundreds of thousands of signatures.