The entertainment giant Disney recently found itself in hot water when a document detailing its inclusion standards surfaced on the internet.
Disney ‘inclusion standards’ leaked document sparks outrage
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This comprehensive guideline outlines Disney General Entertainment Content’s approach to fostering diversity and inclusion across its productions.
According to the document, to meet the on-screen representation standard, at least three of the five areas listed must be fulfilled, ensuring significant participation from underrepresented groups.
This includes mandates that 50% or more of regular and recurring written characters and actors come from these groups, alongside meaningful inclusion in secondary roles, series premises, and episodic storytelling.
The standards extend into creative leadership and below-the-line roles, demanding substantial representation and career advancement opportunities for underrepresented groups in various capacities, from production department heads to key technical positions.
Furthermore, industry access and career development criteria aim to provide paid employment, training opportunities, and first-job placements to members of these groups, reinforcing Disney’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity within its workforce and on-screen portrayals.
Elon Musk rallies support for class action lawsuit
Tech mogul and 2024’s richest man in the world, Elon Musk, quickly seized upon the leak, igniting controversy with his response.
Musk took to his platform to denounce Disney’s inclusion standards as “mandatory, institutionalised racism and sexism,” rallying his massive following to support a boycott against Disney and its affiliates, including ABC, ESPN, and Marvel.
Musk’s call to arms was not just a statement; he offered legal support to anyone claiming to have been discriminated against by Disney’s policies, signalling a significant escalation in his critique of corporate diversity efforts.
Musk has been on an anti-Disney campaign since the production giant paused its advertising on Musk’s social media site, X, following his endorsement of an antisemitic post.
This decision triggered a profanity-laden backlash from Musk, who accused Disney and other brands of “blackmail” for withdrawing their advertising dollars.
