WSJ: Iger’s List of Grievances Against Chapek Included Theme Park Pricing, COVID-Era Layoffs, “Don’t Say Gay”, and More

    The Wall Street Journal has published another report on the CEO shakeup at The Walt Disney Company, this time discussing the tensions between the Two Bobs. Citing sources, the WSJ says that tensions between Bob Chapek and Bob Iger date back to the start of Chapek’s tenure and how to handle shutdowns of most of Disney’s lines of business.

    According to the report, the first major rift between The Bobs was the timing of massive layoffs at the Company during the theme park shutdowns. The report says that Iger wanted to wait for the Cares Act to pass, and that Chapek wanted to get started before any economic protections were implemented. Iger won this early battle and tensions would continue.

    Iger would further frustrate Chapek by not following his announced plan of focusing on creative endeavors, instead interfering with day-to-day matters.

    Sources also indicated that Iger was alarmed by price increases at the theme parks that Chapek said would boost revenue and limit overcrowding.

    While most of the tensions between The Bobs was handled privately, a public chasm between how the “Don’t Say Gay” legislation was handled arose. Chapek wanted to not get involved and Iger took to Twitter to post opposition to the bill. Chapek would make a quick u-turn on his initial position and his second try would include support for LGBTQIA+ employees and opposition to the legislation.

    The report says that some board members considered ousting Chapek in the spring, but that the board ultimately decided to back him and extend his contract. Other reports said that Disney CFO Christine McCarthy and other executives led a rebellion against Chapek over the summer, culminating in his firing just days ago.

    Of course, a poor earnings call seems to be the most recent culprit for cementing what is seeming more like an always-inevitable exit for Chapek.

    As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!

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    1 COMMENT

    1. “The report says that Iger wanted to wait for the Cares Act to pass, and that Chapek wanted to get started before any economic protections were implemented.”

      Whatta guy that Chapek

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