When you think of a Disney controversy, countless issues come to mind regarding the Walt Disney Company, one of the most influential entertainment empires in the world. From its beloved Disney movies and theme parks like Walt Disney World and Disneyland, to its expansive TV productions on the Disney Channel, the company has left an indelible mark on global culture.
However, controversies have erupted from time to time, casting a shadow over its family-friendly image.
Here, we dive into the specifics of these controversies, ensuring you receive a comprehensive yet succinct overview. This exploration brought to you by Business2Community will draw from well-sourced and credible information and examine various aspects like Disney’s quality of films, the historical context of featured characters, and the implications for the future of the Walt Disney Company.
Disney Controversy – Key Facts
- Controversy over the last decade began with Disney’s disconnect between its public image and political actions, exacerbated by price hikes, lawsuits, and the recognition of past films with controversial themes and insensitive portrayals.
- A wide range of critics objected to the company’s actions, highlighting the disconnect between Disney’s public image of inclusivity and its problematic past portrayals.
- The controversy led to significant corporate actions, including the removal of offending content and focusing on creating more diverse characters to rebuild audience trust.
- Disney is attempting to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit by invoking an arbitration clause from Disney+ terms and conditions, arguing that the plaintiff’s subscription agreement prevents the case from being pursued in court.
- Theme Park Price Hikes: Disney has frequently faced backlash for increasing ticket prices at their theme parks, making visits less accessible for many families. This has sparked debates about corporate greed and the balance between profit and customer experience.
- Labor Disputes: Disney has been involved in multiple labor controversies, especially regarding wage disputes with park employees. This has led to protests and negative publicity surrounding their treatment of staff.
- LGBTQ+ Representation: Disney has been both praised and criticized for its representation of LGBTQ+ characters. For example, the brief inclusion of a same-sex kiss in Lightyear drew controversy from conservative groups, leading to the film being banned in some countries.
- Cultural Appropriation Claims: Disney has faced accusations of cultural appropriation in several films, including Aladdin and Moana. Critics argue that the portrayal of non-Western cultures often lacks authenticity, which can perpetuate stereotypes
The Story of the Disney Controversy
Despite its widespread popularity, Disney has faced numerous criticisms over the years.
One major recent criticism is its limited and stereotypical representation of LGBT characters in its media. Historically, Disney deemed LGBT topics as not “family-friendly” and avoided addressing them directly, while frequently coding villains as queer through gender non-conformity.
In recent years, Disney has also been caught in controversy regarding labor disputes, historical racism, hiking prices at its theme parks, and other legal and ethical issues.
Latest Controversy: Disney Uses Disney Terms to Dismiss a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Disney is currently embroiled in a highly publicized legal battle over a wrongful death lawsuit, where the company is attempting to have the case dismissed based on the terms and conditions of its Disney+ streaming service. The lawsuit was filed by Jeffrey Piccolo after his wife, Kanokporn Tangsuan, tragically died from an allergic reaction while dining at Disney Springs in 2023.
The story is simply SHOCKING.
Piccolo alleges that the restaurant staff at Raglan Road Irish Pub assured them multiple times that the food was allergen-free, despite his wife’s severe allergies to dairy and nuts. However, after consuming the meal, Tangsuan suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction. In its defense, Disney argues that Piccolo had agreed to an arbitration clause when he signed up for a Disney+ free trial in 2019, as well as when he used the My Disney Experience app to book Disney World tickets.
Disney claims this clause prevents Piccolo from pursuing the lawsuit in court, forcing the case into arbitration instead. This strategy has sparked outrage, with Piccolo’s lawyers describing Disney’s reliance on an old streaming service agreement to avoid a wrongful death lawsuit as “preposterous” and “unreasonable.”
They argue that this arbitration clause should not apply to such a severe matter.
This lawsuit highlights growing concerns about how companies use arbitration clauses in consumer agreements to limit legal liability, even in serious situations like wrongful death. Critics argue that consumers are often unaware of these clauses, buried within lengthy terms and conditions, and that they strip individuals of their right to a fair trial.
The Scarlet Johansson Lawsuit
On October 1, 2021, Walt Disney and Scarlett Johansson had a legal dispute over the release of the Marvel superhero movie Black Widow.
The conflict arose when Johansson sued Disney, alleging that the company breached her contract by offering the movie on its Disney+ streaming service while it was still being shown in cinemas. Johansson claimed this dual-release strategy deprived her of potential earnings, which were tied to box office performance. Because it wasn’t released in theatres, Johansson likely lost out on millions and millions of dollars.
The lawsuit highlighted broader industry tensions over streaming’s impact on traditional film revenue models. As studios increasingly turn to digital releases, actors and other stakeholders are seeking new ways to protect their financial interests. The outcome of this lawsuit could have set important precedents for future contracts in the entertainment industry.
Despite setting a box office record with $218 million globally in its debut weekend during the pandemic, Black Widow experienced a sharp decline in subsequent weeks.
The specific terms of the settlement between Disney and Johansson have not been disclosed. However, both parties expressed satisfaction with the resolution. Johansson remarked in her statement:
I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together over the years and have greatly enjoyed my creative relationship with the team.
Alan Bergman, Disney Studios’ content chairman, echoed these sentiments, highlighting his pride in the work done with Disney and his enthusiasm for future collaborations.
The dispute between Disney and Johansson took place against a backdrop of changes in the film industry, driven largely by the pandemic. With many cinemas closed, several major Hollywood studios opted to release films online, bypassing traditional theatrical windows.
Johansson’s lawsuit and the subsequent settlement illustrated the ongoing tensions in Hollywood regarding release strategies and contractual obligations in an era increasingly dominated by streaming.
The “Problematic” Tinker Bell
In a move reported by the Plan Disney blog in 2022, one of Disney’s most beloved characters, Tinker Bell, has been quietly removed from meet and greets at Walt Disney World parks. She was flagged as “potentially problematic” by a Disney committee.
Since her debut in 1953’s Peter Pan, Tinker Bell has been an iconic figure in Disney’s lineup, featured in countless movies and TV shows. However, her absence from meet and greets at the Magic Kingdom’s Town Square Theatre hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Although Tinker Bell still makes appearances in park parades and the nightly fireworks show, her exclusion from personal interactions with visitors marks a notable change. The Stories Matter team, tasked with ensuring content aligns with global audiences, raised concerns about Tinker Bell’s portrayal, citing her as “body conscious” and “jealous”.
While Tinker Bell has been sidelined at Walt Disney World, she still holds court at Disneyland in California. This discrepancy suggests that the decision might not be solely based on the Stories Matter findings.
The team also flagged issues with the overall Peter Pan movie, particularly its negative portrayal of Native people and the use of offensive language. This recent development underscores Disney’s ongoing efforts to navigate sensitive cultural issues in its timeless narratives.
The Florida “Don’t Say Gay” Bill
In 2022, Disney faced backlash from its LGBTQ employees and supporters due to its response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
The bill, which bars instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools from kindergarten through grade 3, has been condemned as hateful by President Biden and other Democrats. Governor Ron DeSantis, a supporter of the bill, has defended it against criticism.
The bill represents a broader trend of legislation across various states that seek to limit discussions of LGBTQ+ issues in educational settings. Disney’s initially tepid response to the bill was seen as a betrayal by many within the LGBTQ+ community, who expected more robust advocacy from a company that profits significantly from its inclusive brand image.
Initially, Disney’s then-CEO Bob Chapek sent a message affirming the company’s support for LGBTQ rights but argued that corporate statements often do little to change minds. Instead, Disney attempted to work with politicians behind the scenes, but these efforts were unsuccessful.
This response was seen as insufficient by many, leading to an online campaign by Disney workers who criticized the company’s approach and highlighted its political donations to Republican supporters of the bill.
Faced with mounting criticism, Chapek apologized and announced that Disney would pause all political donations in Florida. He promised to be a more outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ protections:
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.
This apology and subsequent policy change were seen as too little, too late by many activists and employees. The controversy revealed deep divisions within the company and highlighted the challenges Disney faces in maintaining its public image while navigating complex political landscapes.
Despite this, the controversy has spotlighted Disney’s historical lack of consistent support for LGBTQ issues, given its significant political donations and censorship of LGBTQ content in its films.
Disney’s extensive political and cultural influence, especially in Florida, has been called into question. Scholars and activists have criticized Disney for supporting politicians like DeSantis while claiming to support LGBTQ rights.
These contradictions have raised questions about the authenticity of Disney’s commitments to diversity and inclusion. Critics argue that Disney must do more than just issue statements and must take substantive actions that reflect its stated values.
The Restoration of the Pixar “Lightyear” Kiss
In early March 2022, LGBTQ employees and allies at Pixar Animation Studios sent a joint statement to the leadership of the Walt Disney Company. They alleged that Disney executives had actively censored “overtly gay affection” in Pixar’s feature films. This was part of a broader protest against Disney’s lack of public response to Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
On March 9, a source close to Pixar revealed that a same-sex kiss had been cut from the studio’s upcoming feature film Lightyear, which stars Chris Evans as the inspiration for Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story.
The kiss was between the character Hawthorne and her female partner. Following the uproar and pressure from Pixar employees, the kiss was reinstated, marking a significant moment for LGBTQ representation in animated films.
Historically, LGBTQ representation in Pixar films has been minimal and often subtle. Examples include a one-eyed cop mentioning her girlfriend in Onward, two moms hugging their child in Toy Story 4, and a possible lesbian couple briefly shown in Finding Dory.
These instances, while progressive, often felt like token gestures rather than meaningful representations. The decision to reinstate the kiss in Lightyear was seen as a move towards more authentic and substantial inclusion.
The 2020 short film Out is Pixar’s most overtly LGBTQ project, focusing on a gay man struggling to come out to his parents.
Despite these instances, many attempts to include LGBTQ characters or themes in Pixar films were thwarted by what appeared to be self-censorship.
Creatives within Pixar often felt that LGBTQ content wouldn’t get past Disney’s review, partly due to the need for films to perform well in markets hostile to LGBTQ representation, such as China, Russia, and parts of the American South. This has led to the removal of even subtle LGBTQ signifiers in films like Soul and Inside Out.
The reinstatement of the same-sex kiss in Lightyear was seen as a pivotal moment by many within Pixar and the broader LGBTQ community. It represented a pushback against long-standing censorship and a step towards greater visibility and representation in mainstream animated films.
Steven Hunter, the director of the short film Out, expressed pride in his colleagues for speaking out and emphasized the importance of visible LGBTQ representation in storytelling, especially in the face of discriminatory legislation.
Splash Mountain and the Legacy of Song of the South
In 2023, Orlando’s Disney World theme park shut down the water ride Splash Mountain because of its association with Disney’s 1946 film Song of the South, notorious for its racially insensitive portrayals and simplistic depiction of Reconstruction-era America.
The decision to close Splash Mountain was announced in 2020, following years of criticism and petitions from activists and Disney fans alike. The ride, which opened in 1989, was beloved by many for its thrilling drops and catchy songs. However, its ties to Song of the South became increasingly problematic as societal awareness of racial issues grew.
This closure forms part of Disney’s ongoing endeavors to address its problematic past. The ride will be replaced by one inspired by Disney’s 2009 film The Princess and the Frog, featuring the first Black Disney princess.
However, the decision to close Splash Mountain was not unanimously welcomed and sparked a wave of backlash from those resistant to cultural change. The discourse around Splash Mountain often lacks a nuanced understanding of the history the ride references.
Let me get this straight.
Splash Mountain is racist, but Joe Biden saying you're not Black if you don't vote for him isn't??…
Cancel Joe, not Splash Mountain! https://t.co/ARkqd6gYWr
— Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) December 12, 2022
Some critics argue that the closure of Splash Mountain represents an erasure of history rather than an opportunity to educate. They believe that keeping the ride with added context and educational materials could have been a way to address the problematic elements directly. However, Disney’s approach aligns with its broader strategy of distancing itself from overtly controversial content.
Song of the South, which Disney has never released digitally, heavily relies on a nostalgic but historically inaccurate view of the American South. Its portrayal of Black characters, particularly the kindly Uncle Remus who tells stories to white children, reflects outdated and offensive stereotypes.
The movie was not Disney’s only foray into such storytelling. The 1948 lesser-known film So Dear to My Heart, also mixes of live action with animation and featuring a Black character in a similarly problematic role, shares many thematic and stylistic elements with Song of the South.
Both films highlight Walt Disney’s troubling tendency to create a sanitized and mythical version of American history, where racial harmony is depicted in a deeply flawed and unrealistic way.
This legacy remains a point of contention as Disney continues to navigate the modern cultural landscape, balancing its cherished nostalgic branding with the need to correct past wrongs and promote more inclusive storytelling.
The Genie and Lightning Lane Problems
Lightning Lane, part of the Genie+ system introduced post-2020 pandemic, replaced the FastPass system at Disney theme parks. Guests have faced problems with the Lightning Lane system since its inception. Guests now have to pay for Genie+ and individual Lightning Lanes, which has been widely unpopular. Booking these passes or making virtual queue reservations is almost always extremely difficult and it requires waking up at 7 AM.
Lightning Lane users get more priority in ride queues, but line jumping remains an issue. Many queues only have one or two checkpoints, allowing guests to cut in line after the initial checkpoint.
Many Reddit users have expressed frustration over line jumping in Lightning Lane queues, reporting frequent line jumping in Lightning Lane queues, particularly where only one checkpoint exists. Some suggest Disney should add more checkpoints or staff to prevent line cutting.
Lightning Lane and people cutting
byu/sukiyaki93 inDisneyland
Line jumping could be reducing the revenue generated from Lightning Lane and Genie+ sales. This practice also negatively affects the experience of paying guests, causing frustration.
Disney might increase the number of scanners, checkpoints, or Cast Members to discourage line jumping. Ensuring fair access and improving guest satisfaction could help maintain revenue from paid queue services.
The Rising Ticket Prices at Walt Disney World
Disney has been criticized for raising ticket prices at its theme parks, which some customers have dubbed “The Most Expensive Place on Earth.”
Customers have voiced their dissatisfaction on platforms like Reddit, highlighting the increased admission fees, expensive and lackluster food, and staffing shortages. One customer remarked that Disney is no longer affordable for everyday people, catering instead to wealthier families.
Disney has always been expensive
byu/fairycoreee inWaltDisneyWorld
In late 2021, Disney announced price hikes for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, with single-day tickets rising by 6.5% to $164 and two-day park hopper passes increasing by nearly 9% to $319. Prices for food and merchandise have also seen significant increases.
For example, the Mickey’s premium ice cream sandwich price rose to $5.99, and various restaurant meals increased by a few dollars. Merchandise items, such as a Miss Piggy backpack, have jumped from $80 to $95, and Mickey ear headbands now cost $39.99, up by $10.
Additionally, Disney has been accused of reducing food portion sizes to maximize profits. Visit experiences have been marred by longer wait times, dirtier bathrooms, and the introduction of charges for previously free services like the FastPass system, which now costs $15 per person.
The new Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser hotel has also faced backlash for its shockingly high ticket costs, with prices starting at $4,809 for a two-night stay.
The price hiking will continue into 2025, following a similar increase last year. The least expensive single-day, single-park tickets have gone up from $109 to $119. Meanwhile, tickets on busy days, such as July 4th, have increased from $184 to $189.
The high-profile activist investor Nelson Peltz of Trian Partners accused the company of exploiting theme park customers with excessive price increases and additional charges. Peltz argues that this strategy is “unsustainable” and jeopardizes Disney’s long-term brand value. He has also highlighted public dissatisfaction with low staff wages and significant financial losses in Disney’s streaming business.
The Leadership of CEO Bob Iger
Bob Iger, who returned as Disney’s CEO in late 2022, has faced challenges in steering the company through turbulent times. Despite his previous success in acquiring major assets like Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, Iger’s recent tenure has been marked by criticism and controversy.
The company saw a decrease in profits due to the temporary closures of its theme parks as a result of the pandemic. In addition, the rapid expansion of Disney+ has strained the company’s resources, and the high costs associated with original content production have led to financial losses. According to Iger:
I think in our zeal to basically grow our content significantly to serve mostly our streaming offerings, we ended up taxing our people way beyond, in terms of their time and their focus, way beyond where they had been.
Iger’s leadership style, which once garnered praise for its bold acquisitions and strategic vision, is now being questioned by investors and industry analysts.
Critics argue that Disney has become too focused on competing with tech giants in the streaming space, neglecting its core strengths in theme parks and theatrical releases. The backlash over price hikes at Disney’s theme parks and the controversial introduction of paid services like Genie+ and Lightning Lane have further eroded consumer trust.
The Beef Between Elon Musk and Disney
The feud with Elon Musk escalated when Disney decided to pull its advertising from Twitter following Musk’s controversial endorsement of an antisemitic conspiracy theory.
Musk responded with harsh language directed at Iger, calling for his removal as CEO. The conflict intensified as Tesla, Musk’s company, removed the Disney+ app from its in-vehicle entertainment systems, seemingly as an act of retribution against Iger.
Additionally, Musk funded a lawsuit against Lucasfilm, a Disney subsidiary, further complicating the relationship between the two companies. Musk has also accused Disney of enforcing stringent diversity guidelines for content, likening them to tactics used by Nazi Germany’s secret police.
On April Fools’ Day 2024, Musk sarcastically announced on Twitter his appointment as Disney’s Chief DEI Officer, taking a direct jab at Disney CEO Bob Iger and Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm.
Excited to join @Disney as their Chief DEI Officer.
Can’t wait to work with Bob Iger & Kathleen Kennedy to make their content MORE woke!
Even the linguini.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 1, 2024
Despite the ongoing tensions, Iger has remained relatively silent on the matter, while Musk continues to challenge him publicly. The situation highlights the complexities of corporate rivalries and personal conflicts within the entertainment industry.
The Consequences of Disney Controversy
The controversy surrounding Disney’s movies and theme parks has affected various stakeholders in different ways. Disney’s inability to address these issues proactively has led to backlash. The nostalgic image the company has created through classics like the Disney movie The Lion King and iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse and the princesses have been tarnished by accusations of depicting racial stereotypes and exploiting customers.
Disney theme parks have faced criticism for high ticket prices, which many believe make the parks accessible only to wealthier families, alienating everyday people. This has been compounded by operational issues like line jumping in Lightning Lane queues, long wait times, and substandard park maintenance. Complaints about the reduced portion sizes of food and increased prices for merchandise and services have further fueled public dissatisfaction.
On a broader scale, other studios and filmmakers watching Disney’s handling of these issues may be re-evaluating their own practices to avoid similar controversy. For example, anime studios in Japan and Broadway productions in New York might see this as an opportunity to promote more inclusive and equitable content, positioning themselves as better alternatives to Disney.
Pixar’s recent films, praised for their diversity, highlight the gap Disney must bridge to realign its offerings with modern audience expectations.
Actors and employees involved in Disney’s projects face the dual challenge of public scrutiny and job insecurity. CEO Bob Iger has also faced scrutiny and calls for accountability. As streaming services encounter financial losses, and high-profile investors like Nelson Peltz call out Disney for unsustainable practices, the company’s long-term brand value is at stake.
The controversy has also raised questions about Disney’s future direction with its cherished heroines and original films, with critics arguing for more diverse and accurately representative storytelling.
Disney’s recent controversies, ranging from racial portrayal to financial exploitation, have had far-reaching consequences. The company’s reputation and future growth depend on how it addresses these multifaceted issues.
As Disney struggles to keep up with competition and changing times, it faces immense pressure to adapt its movies, theme parks, and streaming services to better align with modern values and customer expectations. The choices Disney makes now will determine its ability to maintain its legacy while navigating the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
What Can We Learn From the Disney Controversy?
For any business, understanding the demographics and preferences of your customers is crucial. Reacting proactively to public concerns about racial stereotypes and exploitation in Disney movies is equally essential. Companies need to be prepared to address ethical and moral issues head-on. Disney’s modern heroines must evolve to tell more inclusive stories.
This situation also highlights the significance of crisis management. Disney’s failure in this area allowed disgruntled customers and key stakeholders, like investor Nelson Peltz, to vocalize dissatisfaction publicly, further damaging their reputation. Effective communication and response to hurdles can better manage such crises.
The Disney controversy also shows the power of customer perception. Enduring long wait times, paying for previously free services, and reduced portion sizes in Disney’s theme parks have strained public patience. Maintaining a balance between profitability and customer experience is vital for future success.
Additionally, the controversy suggests that innovation should be inclusive and reflective of modern values. As Japan’s anime studios or New York’s Broadway productions demonstrate, those who adapt their storytelling to be more representative will likely attract a more diverse audience. Businesses must begin to leverage ethical storytelling to stay relevant and respected.
Overall, Disney’s challenges present a wealth of lessons for any business: be attuned to your audience’s needs, tackle ethical concerns proactively, manage crises effectively, and remain sensitive to evolving cultural values. These strategies are pivotal for securing long-term brand value and customer loyalty.