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Disneyis a recent decision to to extract a transgender storyline from one of his upcoming films it appears to be its latest attempt to avoid creating political controversy after the company became the center of the “wakeism” debate last year.
The company he runs Bob Igerhas found itself in the middle of several “culture wars” in recent years after promising to “to further strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion everywhere” following the 2020 killing of George Floyd.
Disney has decided to make its theme parks more inclusive, such as by adopting more gender-neutral greetings, and has made a conscious effort to include more diverse characters, for example by introducing its first biracial gay character in Strange World.
It was Iger who pushed the blockbuster superhero movie Black Panther forward – an almost all-black film known for its cultural impact.
But the company’s desire to distance itself from entities often embroiled in political culture wars seemed evident in Iger’s statement to investors last year.
“Our primary mission should be entertainment,” Iger said. “It shouldn’t be agenda-driven.”
After a messy lawsuit with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the recent $15 million settlement with the president-elect Donald Trumpthe company seems to be in business again.
Last week, Disney announced its story of transgender athletes in the upcoming series Win or lose would be abolished.
“When it comes to animated content for younger audiences,” Disney said in a statement to The Independent. “We recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain topics with their children on their own terms and timelines.”
That decision was made during the summer, he says The New York Times.
But the news comes shortly after ABC, Disney’s flagship property, agreed to pay Trump $15 million for his presidential library, plus $1 million in legal fees, rather than contest the defamation suit in court. Trump accused host George Stephanopoulos of defaming him because he said he raped E. Jean Carroll. The jury found the newly elected president responsible for sexual assault, not rape.
First Amendment supporters he criticized the company and Iger, who signed the contract, for giving in to Trump’s efforts. But the company’s lawyers reportedly felt it was too risky to fight.
That fight would be another legal battle against a well-known politician. Last year, Disney sued DeSantis for violating their First Amendment rights by using their political power to retaliate.
The company has openly opposed DeSantis’ Parental Rights in Education Act because it is anti-LGBT+. In turn, DeSantis responded angrily and the Florida legislature repealed the law that gave Disney special management.
Although the case drew national attention, the two eventually settled this year.
In addition to legal battles, Disney has also battled public opinion over its choice to become more inclusive and diverse. Conservatives condemned the company for indoctrination of children by pushing LGBT-friendly characters and stories. Online, a movement began to boycott the company.
America First Legal Foundation, a conservative law firm founded by Trump adviser Stephen Miller, even sued Disney for its diversity promotion.