Disney is embroiled in controversy after the release of an undercover video exposing alleged discriminatory hiring practices against white males. The video, shared by journalist James O’Keefe, features Michael Giordano, a Senior Vice President at The Walt Disney Company, candidly discussing the company’s internal policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
In the footage, Giordano openly states that Disney is not considering white males for certain positions. “There’s no way we’re hiring a white male,” he tells an undercover reporter from O’Keefe Media Group, indicating that this directive is both explicit and implicit within the company’s ranks.
Giordano explains that Disney employs “code words and buzzwords” to navigate legal constraints while enforcing these policies. He recounts an instance where a candidate was rejected for not looking “black enough,” underscoring the role appearance plays in Disney’s hiring decisions. According to Giordano, these discriminatory practices are incentivized through bonuses for executives who comply with DEI guidelines, suggesting that financial incentives are a significant motivator.
“We wanted somebody in meetings who would appear a certain way, and he wasn’t going to bring that to the meeting,” Giordano said, describing the selection criteria.
WATCH:
BREAKING: Senior Vice President at The Walt Disney Company details discriminatory hiring practices: "Nobody else is going to tell you this, but they're not considering any white males for the job," says Michael Giordano, a Vice President of Business affairs, "there’s no way we’re… pic.twitter.com/IMOsFOLKro
— James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) June 20, 2024
Giordano also shared his personal experiences, stating that he has been overlooked for promotions due to his race. Despite his qualifications and 11 years of service at Disney, he believes his advancement has been hindered because he is a white male.
The video, produced by O’Keefe’s team, captures Giordano in a candid conversation about Disney’s hiring practices. He details how Disney’s DEI policies are executed and the reasoning behind them. Executives, he revealed, use coded language to ensure that these practices avoid legal scrutiny. Phrases like “not looking at the usual suspects” are used to subtly communicate the exclusion of white male candidates.
A particularly troubling aspect of the video is Giordano’s revelation that Disney executives receive bonuses for adhering to DEI practices. This financial incentive structure, he suggests, drives the discriminatory hiring and promotion policies. “Diversity helps with financial incentives?” the undercover reporter asked, to which Giordano confirmed.
The internal strife at Disney mirrors external controversies the company has faced over its political stances. Recently, the launch of Disney’s Star Wars series “The Acolyte” faced backlash from fans who deemed it excessively politically correct, driven by overly progressive themes.
This internal and external pressure coincides with the resolution of a public legal dispute between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The conflict arose over Disney’s opposition to the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, escalating when DeSantis restructured the oversight of Disney World’s special tax district. In response, Disney made last-minute legal moves to strip the new board of much of its power.
Last month, the parties reached a settlement, concluding ongoing state court litigation. Disney also paused its federal lawsuit appeal, in which it accused Governor DeSantis of retaliatory misuse of his gubernatorial powers. This resolution marked the end of a highly visible battle, highlighting the ongoing tension between corporate influence and political authority.
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