Bob Iger, ex-CEO Disney, slams Chris Wallace’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill

Robert IgerFormer CEO of Disney, has spoken out about his opposition of a Florida law making the headlines. He calls it a matter for “right and wrong.”

Iger, 71, gave his thoughts on the Parental Rights in Education law, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law by critics, in an interview with Chris Wallace on CNN+ Thursday.

Iger was inaugurated in February TweetThat the bill, which was signed into law on March 28 and forbids classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, would “put vulnerable, young LGBTQ people in jeopardy.”

The law has galvanized people on both sides of the political aisle, but Iger said on “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” that “a lot of these issues are not necessarily political.”

“It’s about right and wrong,”He added. “To me, it wasn’t politics. It was what is right and what is wrong, and that just seemed wrong. It seemed potentially harmful to kids.”

Iger also said that the law “would do exactly what it shouldn’t do.”

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Bob Iger, the former CEO of Disney, is speaking out about his opposition to a recent, headline-making Florida bill, calling the issue a matter of "right and wrong."

“And that is to foster compassion and understanding and acceptance and enable young kids who might be gay to feel more confident, more comfortable, more part of society, if it could be discussed freely, as opposed to kept in the closet,”He continued.

Iger’s comments follow a response from current Disney CEO Bob Chapek that has sparked backlash from LGBTQ fans and activists. On CNN+, Iger told Wallace that CEOs need to accept the responsibility “that they’re going to have to weigh in on issues, even if voicing an opinion on those issues potentially puts some of your business in danger.”

“Again, when you’re dealing with right and wrong, or when you’re dealing with something that does have a profound impact on your business, then I just think you have to do what is right and not worry about the potential backlash, to it,”He said.

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After initial public silence on the matter, Chapek apologized for not being a “stronger ally in the fight for equal rights” and announced a number of supportive measures, including donations to advocacy groups and reevaluating political giving.

In an internal memo to employees obtained by USA TODAY, Chapek initially said, “I believe the best way for our company to bring about lasting change is through the inspiring content we produce, the welcoming culture we create, and the diverse community organizations we support.”

A few days later, he sent another memo acknowledging the need to promote the good. “by telling inclusive stories, but also by standing up for the rights of all.”

Chapek’s response inspired employees to stage walkouts across Disney properties and pledges to boycott the company.

Raven-Symoné and ‘Raven’s Home’ cast walk off Disney setProtest the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill

Contributing: Eve Chen

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