The under pressure Disney CEO is now backtracking and saying sorry after earlier sitting on the fence when it came to Florida’s contentious “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

“You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry,”

disney ceo Bob Chapek

Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Chapek apologised to employees for the company’s handling of Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

Disney will now pause all political donations in the state.

Chapek also said that the company will be “increasing our support for advocacy groups to combat similar legislation in other states.”

“Thank you to all who have reached out to me sharing your pain, frustration and sadness over the company’s response to the Florida ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill.”

disney ceo Bob Chapek

“Speaking to you, reading your messages, and meeting with you have 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. You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry.”

“I missed the mark in this case but am an ally you can count on — and I will be an outspoken champion for the protections, visibility and opportunity you deserve,” Chapek added.

The company received pushback from employees over its (lack of) response, with staff in the TV animation and distribution writing letters to management about the issue.

The Animation Guild, which represents many Disney employees, voiced its anger over the issue.