Disney CEO Chapek faces criticism from creative leaders over 'Don't Say Gay' bill response.

• Sources report that Disney's studio heads have conveyed their dissatisfaction to CEO Bob Chapek regarding his management of the "Don't Say Gay" bill in Florida.
• On Tuesday, a walkout is planned by several employees, but it's uncertain whether it will attract a large crowd as only a small number of employees have been reporting to work on the lot.
• An email sent by Chapek on Friday reassured some people about his commitment to support and engage with the LGBTQ+ community and to temporarily halt political donations in Florida until further review.

Disney's creative studio heads have voiced their dissatisfaction to CEO Bob Chapek regarding his management of the "Don't Say Gay" bill in Florida, according to sources.

Disney's creative studios' senior leadership groups met with Chapek after the annual meeting on March 9. Many have expressed frustration with the company's reluctance to take a firm stand against the bill, according to sources.

According to anonymous sources, employees raised concerns after the meeting, stating that Chapek did not address homophobic comments made by a shareholder during the Q&A session.

Disney and Chapek faced criticism for not speaking out earlier against the Florida bill that prohibits discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools for kindergarten through third grade. The bill, known as "Don't Say Gay," has been criticized by advocates who believe it could harm marginalized people.

Executives have been hosting town halls and meeting with employees to address their frustrations and concerns, according to some sources. Some individuals were reassured by an email sent by Chapek on Friday, which expressed his dedication to supporting and engaging with the LGBTQ+ community and temporarily halted political donations in Florida until further evaluation.

On Tuesday, some employees staged a walkout in protest, while many others claim they are waiting for the company to act on the bill.

The walkout is scheduled to coincide with the time of a company "reimagine tomorrow" event, which is held monthly and typically covers timely issues. Tuesday's event is called "LGBTQ+ Employees, Leaders and Allies Get Disney Real."

The virtual event invitation, sent out on Thursday morning, states that employees can anticipate an open discussion on the following topics: the effects of the "Don't Say Gay" bill and other pending legislation on LGBTQ+ kids and families; the reasons behind the LGBTQ+BERG leaders and allies' internal efforts to hold the company responsible; and what steps are necessary to restore trust with employees and LGBTQ+ communities.

The number of participants in Tuesday's walkout is uncertain. Only a small percentage of workers have been reporting to work on the lot.

Disney did not comment for this article.

Chapek’s email to employees on Friday addressed the broader frustration.

I am sorry for not being a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights. Thank you to all who reached out to me and shared their pain, frustration, and sadness over the company's response to the Florida 'Don't Say Gay' bill. Speaking to you, reading your messages, and meeting with you helped me better understand how painful our silence was. It is clear that this is not just an issue about a bill in Florida, but instead yet another challenge to basic human rights. I apologize.

The company declared that it will boost its backing for advocacy organizations to combat bills similar to the "Don't Say Gay" law in other states and will halt all political contributions in Florida.