Disney's Social Media in the Wake of Tragedy

[Sir_Cliff]

There was also a Disney float in LA Pride today, and I don't think the company is generally too coy these days about supporting LGBT people.

 

[Polydweller]

Please note- I am not discussing the tragic events themselves. Rather, I've noticed WDW's varied social media accounts have been VERY quiet today. While I understand not posting the usual stuff, I am somewhat surprised they've not offered the "thoughts and support" line. Both Sea World and UNI have made statements, and yet Disney has not. The closest I have seen is from HOB Orlando.

It just seems odd to me, because I recall that in the wake of the Paris attacks, they had joined in with the condolences.

Considering that the Hollywood reporter reported at 12:15 PT (3:15 ET) that Bob Iger had released a statement and you started this thread an hour and 15 minutes later, this thread looks at best to be ill informed and really should be closed since the premise of the thread was wrong.

 

[Matt_Black]

Considering that the Hollywood reporter reported at 12:15 PT (3:15 ET) that Bob Iger had released a statement and you started this thread an hour and 15 minutes later, this thread looks at best to be ill informed and really should be closed since the premise of the thread was wrong.

I don't read the Hollywood Reporter. I was going by the official social media accounts and, as noted, they did not release any statement via those platforms, unlike Universal Studios or Sea World.

 

[Polydweller]

I don't read the Hollywood Reporter. I was going my the official social media accounts and, as noted, they did not release any statement via those platforms, unlike Universal Studios or Sea World.

Not true. I saw a report about Iger's statement an hour before the Hollywood Reporter (which was a retweet since I don't follow it either). And the article in Hollywood reporter was referencing other official sources (it wasn't released through them) and I saw it on a pen official Canadian news service. So, it was officially released. Just because one doesn't see it doesn't mean it didn't happen and one shouldn't assume it didn't, Amazing what one can find through the Internet search engines. It remains, this thread's premise was wrong.

 

[Matt_Black]

Not true. I saw a report about Iger's statement an hour before the Hollywood Reporter (which was a retweet since I don't follow it either). And the article in Hollywood reporter was referencing other official sources (it wasn't released through them) and I saw it on a pen official Canadian news service. So, it was officially released. Just because one doesn't see it doesn't mean it didn't happen and one shouldn't assume it didn't, Amazing what one can find through the Internet search engines. It remains, this thread's premise was wrong.

VIA SOCIAL MEDIA. LIKE TWITTER. And since you're so concerned with time stamps, why did it take YOU over an hour to point out Iger's statement?

 

[Bolt]

Blood drives on property for guests and cast would be a substantive showing of love for the victims. Hashtags don't save lives.

They are now scheduled each day for Cast starting Tuesday.

 

[Soarin' Over Pgh]

They are now scheduled each day for Cast starting Tuesday.

Hi Bolt. I don't know if you know the answer, but does Disney offer mental health support for its cast in times of tragedy?

 

[BrerJon]

Bob Iger did release a statement.

It took him long enough.

 

[Flippin'Flounder]

Hi Bolt. I don't know if you know the answer, but does Disney offer mental health support for its cast in times of tragedy?

I had heard they did after the Paris attacks, so I would assume they would for this.

 

[AEfx]

This only happened half a day ago - Disney is undoubtedly still trying to figure out who was there, as the chances are rather high that in a gay club in Orlando that more than a few of the victims were Disney employees. Possibly dozens.

I have no problem with them not jumping on social media to make what are usually full of well-intention statements that - honestly - when you've read the 100th one, start to lose a bit anyway.

Right now, they don't even know who to make condolences to - if they just put up a generic "all the victims and their families" message they would be considered insensitive in retrospect if it turns out that a high number of Disney employees/families were victims and they didn't take note of how they were a part of the "Disney family".

It's also a Sunday, making this especially complicated for HR, legal, etc. at Disney to be vetting any statement. I'm sure their cell phones are jammed and they are working as quickly as possible.

Let's let the blood dry before we start hanging anyone about their reaction to this. Except for that lunatic Lt. Gov in TX, we can judge him, LOL.

 

[Matt_Black]

Except for that lunatic Lt. Gov in TX, we can judge him, LOL.

Oh, LORD, that guy. It could just have been poor timing, but from what I've heard, Texas doesn't exactly hold him in the highest regard.

 

[AEfx]

Oh, LORD, that guy. It could just have been poor timing, but from what I've heard, Texas doesn't exactly hold him in the highest regard.

Especially since he sent another replacement tweet instead of just taking the day off...

 

[cslafferty]

I've noticed this as well. We do have a message on The Hub, but nothing publicly. Pulse was frequented by many Cast Members, myself included, so it feels a little odd to me as well.

This may be precisely why an official,statement didn't come sooner. If cast members were possibly there/victims, better to stay silent until more info is in. Regardless, it was a horrible tragedy. Please, people, let's not be cynical or judgmental. There is way too much of that in this world already. My thoughts and prayers to all who have been touched by this.

 

[Bolt]

Hi Bolt. I don't know if you know the answer, but does Disney offer mental health support for its cast in times of tragedy?

Yes, they do. Additionally, the city of Orlando is offering grief counselors for anyone who needs help.

 

[BaconPancakes]

HOPEFULLY the silence is not anything that "strategic", and that their is another reason. Whether or not I agree with someone's life choices, doesn't change the fact that innocent lives were lost in a tragedy. Regardless of who was targeted or why, a life is still a life and lifestyle should not determine whether or not we care. Again, hoping and praying it is not some rediculous reason like what was suggested, especially being so close to their parks.

Another potential option: Disney is publicly trying to distance themselves as a destination from what happened. Perhaps thinking that people may avoid parks because it happened in Orlando. Just as dumb, but ive seen crazy PR stances over ideas like this.

Being gay isn't a choice or a "lifestyle" but thanks...

 

[Matt_Black]

This may be precisely why an official,statement didn't come sooner. If cast members were possibly there/victims, better to stay silent until more info is in. Regardless, it was a horrible tragedy. Please, people, let's not be cynical or judgmental. There is way too much of that in this world already. My thoughts and prayers to all who have been touched by this.

Oh, no judging, I just wasn't sure if it was policy or what. Again, I just found it odd that neither the main park account, WDW Today, Disney Springs, or any onsite business (like Cava or Artisans de Glaces) were commenting save for HOB.

 

[fillerup]

I'm far from Iger's biggest fan but I think a statement from an actual human being is more personal and meaningful than a statement such as "The Walt Disney Company deeply regrets....blah, blah, blah".

Blessings on all touched by this horror.

 

[Polydweller]

VIA SOCIAL MEDIA. LIKE TWITTER. And since you're so concerned with time stamps, why did it take YOU over an hour to point out Iger's statement?

Maybe it was the first time I'd been online in several hours and shirts time I saw the thread.

Look Matt, this is not the day to be doing this. It's not a day about looking for a reason for bashing Disney.

This day is and should only be about 103 unfortunate people in Orlando fifty of whom lost their lives and 53 who've had their lives changed negatively forever. That's who we should be thinking of and respecting. So, since that's what I intend to do and why I commented on the inaccuracies in this thread in the first place I'm not replying to this type of low comment further.

 

[Matt_Black]

It's not a day about looking for a reason for bashing Disney.

Where was I bashing Disney?

 

[WhatJaneSays]

Blood drives on property for guests and cast would be a substantive showing of love for the victims. Hashtags don't save lives.

There are blood drives all the time for CMs. ALL the mobile donation units in the area are out serving the community today, along with a number of units on loan from the Tampa area.

Hi Bolt. I don't know if you know the answer, but does Disney offer mental health support for its cast in times of tragedy?

They do. Counselors have been out all over backstage and there is always a help line.
___

The "media silence" from Disney SHOULD be for obvious reasons; with that many casualties there is a near 100% chance that there was a CM/CM's family member involved and we should consider that the individuals and teams manning those social media accounts are trying to process what's just happened to put their best face forward.