Disney's recent decision to eliminate a transgender storyline from an upcoming movie is seen as the latest move to sidestep political controversy.
This comes after the entertainment giant found itself at the center of a "wokeism" debate last year. The company, under the leadership of Bob Iger, has been embroiled in several cultural battles in recent years, following its commitment to enhance diversity and inclusion in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in 2020.
According to The Independent, Disney has made concerted efforts to make its theme parks more inclusive, such as adopting more gender-neutral greetings. The company has also made deliberate strides to include more diverse characters in its productions, including the introduction of its first biracial gay character in Strange World. Iger was instrumental in pushing forward the blockbuster superhero film Black Panther, a movie with an almost entirely Black cast that has been lauded for its cultural impact.
However, Disney's inclination to steer clear of subjects often entangled in political cultural wars was evident in Iger's statement to investors last year. "Our primary mission needs to be to entertain," Iger said. "It should not be agenda-driven."
In the wake of a contentious lawsuit with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and a recent $15 million settlement with President-elect Donald Trump, the company seems to be taking a more cautious approach. Disney recently announced that its transgender athlete storyline in the upcoming series Win or Lose would be scrapped. "When it comes to animated content for a younger audience," Disney said in a statement to The Independent, "we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline." This decision was reportedly made over the summer, as reported by the New York Times.
The announcement comes shortly after ABC, a flagship property of Disney, agreed to pay Trump $15m for his presidential library, in addition to $1m in legal fees, rather than contest a defamation lawsuit in court. Trump had accused host George Stephanopoulos of defaming him by stating he raped E. Jean Carroll. A jury found the president-elect liable for sexual abuse, not rape.
First Amendment advocates criticized the company and Iger, who approved the settlement, for succumbing to Trump's demands. However, company lawyers reportedly felt it was too risky to contest. This would have been another legal confrontation with a high-profile politician. Last year, Disney sued DeSantis for infringing on their First Amendment rights by using his political power for retaliation.
Disney openly opposed DeSantis's Parental Rights in Education Act for being anti-LGBT+. In response, DeSantis reacted angrily and the Florida State Legislature repealed the law that granted Disney special governance. Despite the case attracting national attention, the two parties eventually reached a settlement this year.
In addition to legal battles, Disney has also faced public criticism over its decision to promote inclusivity and diversity. Conservatives have criticized the company for allegedly indoctrinating children by introducing LGBT-friendly characters and storylines. A movement to boycott the company even emerged online. The America First Legal Foundation, a conservative law firm founded by Trump adviser Stephen Miller, sued Disney for its diversity promotion.
Disney's recent actions suggest a shift in its approach to controversial topics, possibly in response to the backlash it has received. However, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and whether it will continue to navigate the cultural and political landscape with the same level of caution.
Login