Rumor Hollywood insiders say there's growing tension at Disney as CEO Bob Chapek chafes at Bob Iger's 'long goodbye'

[marni1971]

The word 'if' is a mighty small word with a mighty big meaning. Whilst this is almost certainly true, after the pandemic and energy price market shocks it became inevitable.

“If” was me trying to be polite

And now Chapek is doubling down on all of Bobs misdirections.

 

[HairyChest]

 

[SirLink]

All companies can be 'apolitical' whether they are a DOW 30 or a FTSE 100 or even a NIKKEI 225. Not only can they be they should be. The only reason TWDC has chosen to be in the past and its the only reason was The Weatherman wanted a political gig. Like most CEOS the reasons they aren't 'apolitical' is that they want an easy government job.

 

[Sir_Cliff]

I don’t think it’s a problem running an apolitical company (and honestly I think companies should be run that way) but that Chapek is beyond crappy at PR and public relations. It’s actually surprising how bad he is and how he’s been able to progress this far given that.

You can approach issues many different ways with well crafted messaging.

It is remarkable to watch. I feel like if Bob had of sent that first company-wide email to a reasonably intelligent friend to read over before sending it out, they would have been able to point out things like the lines about diverse content being likely to inflame rather than soothe discontent. Yet somehow, this presumably was approved by people working for him in corporate communications and this was the best solution they came up with for addressing the issue.

It's all making me think of how bad he always was at expressing enthusiasm for the announcements at D23. He doesn't seem to be a people person, shall we say.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

All companies can be 'apolitical' whether they are a DOW 30 or a FTSE 100 or even a NIKKEI 225. Not only can they be they should be. The only reason TWDC has chosen to be in the past and its the only reason was The Weatherman wanted a political gig. Like most CEOS the reasons they aren't 'apolitical' is that they want an easy government job.

The world is not that naive…

Large companies influence policy because their investors push them relentlessly for “edges”…tax, regulatory, Even social policy.

The wdw college program was classified as an “internship” and received federal “subsidies” under the Clinton DOE. They lined pockets to get it.

Yes…the US Taxpayers subsidized Disney slave labor program.

Sometimes the truth is ugly.

Power is about money…and Everything else is about getting power

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

It's not a defense of the bill. It's a "chill the hell out, everyone, this isn't the end of the world."

It's a stupid bill passed for cynical reasons, but the opposition is just as cynical.

It’s such a bad idea that no bill should exist. The truth is in this thread. Something this divisive is a disaster from the start.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I’m sure they’ll make an example of someone so he can bring that back to The Villages.

You should be joking…but this is EXACTLY what the political angle will be

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

. . .

If the bill isn't intended to serve any actual function as a bill, the bill should not be passed.

You really, really think that in passing this no one is gonna look and take advantage to use it against people?? "We're gonna pass a bill for the fun of it, knowing full well that nobody's actually gonna use it"?

I can't believe you think this was actually some sort of good point. Hideous defense. Not to mention morally reprehensible.

This invites the crazies…which both sides of the isle had a long-standing agreement not to do…

Now one has decided to “just get them to vote…we’ll ignore them on Wednesday” is a tenable strategy?

What did commissioner Gordon say? “You should a thought of that before you let the clown out of the box”

 

[networkpro]

This invites the crazies…which both sides of the isle had a long-standing agreement not to do…

Now one has decided to “just get them to vote…we’ll ignore them on Wednesday” is a tenable strategy?

What did commissioner Gordon say? “You should a thought of that before you let the clown out of the box”

And both political parties haven't done this at all? I guess political expediency isn't a concept either.

 

[JoeCamel]

All companies can be 'apolitical' whether they are a DOW 30 or a FTSE 100 or even a NIKKEI 225. Not only can they be they should be. The only reason TWDC has chosen to be in the past and its the only reason was The Weatherman wanted a political gig. Like most CEOS the reasons they aren't 'apolitical' is that they want an easy government job.

All large corporations have a division that is charged with looking out for the companies' interests in the halls of power, they are lobbyists or they hire them to push their agenda. That may include social issues but only if they will benefit the company in some way, no point in spending money for ideals or "it would be nice" but if it is done to make the company look good in the eyes of it's customers then they will push them.
Bob is so tone deaf he never thought they should be involved so they weren't. Should they have been? Did politicians they supported do something they didn't want them to do? Yes but they are not buying puppets just trying to tip the scales in their favor.
I don't find it shocking at all, what is incredible is how bad they screwed the PR on it after the fact.

The world is not that naive…

Large companies influence policy because their investors push them relentlessly for “edges”…tax, regulatory, Even social policy.

The wdw college program was classified as an “internship” and received federal “subsidies” under the Clinton DOE. They lined pockets to get it.

Yes…the US Taxpayers subsidized Disney slave labor program.

Sometimes the truth is ugly.

Power is about money…and Everything else is about getting power

 

[SirLink]

The world is not that naive…

Large companies influence policy because their investors push them relentlessly for “edges”…tax, regulatory, Even social policy.

The wdw college program was classified as an “internship” and received federal “subsidies” under the Clinton DOE. They lined pockets to get it.

Yes…the US Taxpayers subsidized Disney slave labor program.

Sometimes the truth is ugly.

Power is about money…and Everything else is about getting power

Dude calm down on that condescending tone. When we say 'apolitical', Bob Chapek took an apolitical stance when the bill passed in Florida - they didn't denounce it nor did they applaud it. If it was Iger he would of denounced it which would of been wrong.

Now that the left and the right has started attacking TWDC, if I was Chapek I would make sure neither get any political donations cause neither side can be trusted. This is where Chapek needs to take the "bull by the horns" of the company so that he is bold enough to create an apolitical company. Especially as they are being bulled by a group of people who will end up bankrupting the company.

 

[RSoxNo1]

If Bob Iger truly is not a fan of Bob Chapek than he can actually affect material change at the top. His share position would allow for it.

 

[DVCakaCarlF]

If Bob Iger truly is not a fan of Bob Chapek than he can actually affect material change at the top. His share position would allow for it.

Bob C is a puppet…that’s why

 

[lightningtap347]

Yikes.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

If Bob Iger truly is not a fan of Bob Chapek than he can actually affect material change at the top. His share position would allow for it.

If he were 65 and not 71, I think he probably would.

 

[DVCakaCarlF]

Speaking of Twitter, if only the bobs read the guest relations comments more than the Twitter/Instagram/Facebook feed, they might actually produce.

 

[durangojim]

Unfortunately I feel that we’re at a point in our society where there is a lack of common sense and small groups of people who yell the loudest feel that everything needs to be legislated. IMO this is a symptom of a lack of respect between people and has exploded in the age of social media. The internet has created and allowed us to do many wonderful things but may ultimately be the cause for the destruction of society as we know it. I hope not.

 

[MickeyCookies]

It is remarkable to watch. I feel like if Bob had of sent that first company-wide email to a reasonably intelligent friend to read over before sending it out, they would have been able to point out things like the lines about diverse content being likely to inflame rather than soothe discontent. Yet somehow, this presumably was approved by people working for him in corporate communications and this was the best solution they came up with for addressing the issue.

It's all making me think of how bad he always was at expressing enthusiasm for the announcements at D23. He doesn't seem to be a people person, shall we say.

Being in corp comms, my experience is you can give great advice but some aren’t willing to listen. If Bob got mad about not needing a white knight, it sounds to me like he has an ego problem.

My first reaction to the CNBC article was that perhaps Zenia is still helping Bob I. Making sure we all know he’s the good Bob... But I could be wrong

 

[TikibirdLand]

Dude…if you think Disney can stay out of a political fray for long…you’re gonna be disappointed.

Especially in Florida. It’s kinda “foundation” for a state that barely existed before 1950.

Now has chapek the Slaphead completely blend it? Yes…of course. He’s a terrible ceo and awful at everything except trying to sell his product at reduced quality and higher cost…which is what a 90’s mall issue junk peddler does.

There's plenty of people coming to the parks. So, a salesman's role fits perfectly for him. Just keep the plushies and ears coming and he'll do just fine -- as long as he keeps his mouth shut about politics. . Regardless, the money will keep rolling in.

 

[ImperfectPixie]

There's plenty of people coming to the parks. So, a salesman's role fits perfectly for him. Just keep the plushies and ears coming and he'll do just fine -- as long as he keeps his mouth shut about politics. He may p*ss off Pixar that want the activism. Regardless, the money will keep rolling in.

He's already starting to come off as a used-car salesman...less than three months into his solo flight.