Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
Raquel Lee sues Disney over alleged sexual abuse during 'The Poof Point' production
Lawsuit filed
Former Disney child star Raquel Lee Bolleau filed a lawsuit against Disney alleging she was raped and sexually assaulted by an adult employee at age 14 during the 2001 filming of 'The Poof Point' in Utah, and that Disney failed to protect her and failed to properly hire and supervise its employees. She seeks unspecified damages for negligence.
Company response
Denial — Disney
The company responded similarly to Tuesday’s lawsuit, according to the Sentinel, vowing to fight the suit and calling it “meritless.”
Source excerpt
In a new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Raquel claims Disney failed to protect her -- and instead repeatedly put her in close contact with the man she says abused her.
She's suing Disney for negligence, claiming the company failed to properly hire and supervise its employees ... and she wants unspecified damages.
Former Disney child star Raquel Lee Bolleau says landing a role in "The Poof Point" turned into a nightmare ... claiming she was raped and sexually assaulted by an adult employee when she was just 14.
2026
ABC and Disney sue FCC over early broadcast license review
Lawsuit filed
ABC, its parent company Disney and eight affected local stations sued the Federal Communications Commission on First Amendment grounds, asking a federal court to stop the FCC's early renewal proceedings for eight ABC-owned broadcast licenses. The lawsuit alleges the FCC's review, ordered in April under Chairman Brendan Carr, is retaliation for ABC's speech and poses an existential threat to its operations.
Stated objective. To immediately enjoin Defendants from taking or threatening to take any action against Plaintiffs in relation to the early license renewal applications.
Source excerpt
Disney and its ABC unit have sued the Federal Communications Commission to stop an early review of licenses for eight...
It then outlined how the FCC could use the adjudication as a weapon to prolong an investigation to cost ABC and its parent company, Disney, money or to outright “deny license renewal or immediately revoke the Stations’ licenses,” which would take ABC off the air entirely.
On Tuesday (August 18), ABC filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) in federal court, claiming that regulatory actions and an investigation was part of the Trump administration’s agenda to restrict its free speech.
2022
Disney responds to criticism of Snow White remake characters
Company response
After actor Peter Dinklage criticized the planned portrayal of dwarfs in the Snow White remake, Disney said it would depict the seven characters differently from the original animated film to avoid reinforcing stereotypes and had been consulting dwarf groups.
Stated objective. Avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film.
Company response
Clarification — 迪士尼
为了避免对原版动画电影中刻板印象的加深,我们将对故事中七个小矮人的角色进行一些不同的刻画。为此,我们也一直在咨询侏儒团体。
Source excerpt
为了避免对原版动画电影中刻板印象的加深,我们将对故事中七个小矮人的角色进行一些不同的刻画。为此,我们也一直在咨询侏儒团体。
继“白雪公主不够白”后,迪士尼即将出品的真人版电影《白雪公主》又陷入“小矮人”角色争议——《权力的游戏》中的“小恶魔”、艾美奖获得者彼特·丁拉基批评该片对侏儒的刻画是“该死的退步”。
2022
Disney apologizes over cheer team routine at Disney World
Company response
The article reports that Disney apologized for a Texas cheer team’s offensive “Scalp ’Em” routine at Disney World.
Company response
Apology — Disney
Disney Apologizes for Texas Cheer Team’s Offensive ‘Scalp ‘Em’ Routine at Disney World
Source excerpt
Disney Apologizes for Texas Cheer Team’s Offensive ‘Scalp ‘Em’ Routine at Disney World
2022
Disney employees stage walkouts over the company's response to Florida legislation
Public backlash
Disney workers staged virtual and in-person walkouts after CEO Bob Chapek initially refused to condemn Florida's so-called “Don't Say Gay” legislation and over donations to politicians who backed it. LGBTQ employees organized the walkouts and called for the company to protect workers in Florida from the legislation.
Source excerpt
The virtual and in-person walkouts were organized by LGBTQ employees of Disney, who are calling for the company to take action to protect workers in Florida from the legislation.
Disney workers are staging a series of walkouts after CEO Bob Chapek initially refused to condemn Florida’s so-called Don’t Say Gay legislation and for donating to politicians who back the measure, which bans discussions of sexuality and gender identity in schools.
Disney Workers Walk Out Over Company's Silence on "Don't Say Gay" Bill.
2022
Parents group criticizes Disney+ plan to add TV-MA Marvel shows
Public backlash
The Parents Television and Media Council criticized Disney+ over the planned addition of TV-MA-rated Marvel shows, saying that the content could undermine the service’s family-friendly reputation. The article reports the group’s criticism; it does not report a determination of wrongdoing.
Source excerpt
It seems wildly ‘off-brand’ for Disney+ to add TV-MA and R-rated programming to this platform, ostensibly to increase subscription revenue.
the Parents Television and Media Council has taken the House of Mouse to task
The members of the Parents Television Council (PTC) are voicing their issues with Disney’s choice to add the more adult-themed shows to the family branding of Disney+.
2022
Disney CEO apologizes to employees over response to Florida bill
Company response
Disney CEO Bob Chapek apologized to employees, especially LGBTQ+ employees, for the company’s silence and response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Disney also said it was increasing support for advocacy groups working against similar legislation in other states and pausing political donations in Florida pending a review of its political-giving framework.
Company response
Apology — Disney
Disney CEO Bob Chapek formally apologized to employees today for the company’s failure to support its queer community.
Source excerpt
It is clear that this is not just an issue about a bill in Florida, but instead yet another challenge to basic human rights.
Facing a tidal wave of backlash following Disney’s failure to speak out against Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, Disney CEO Bob Chapek formally apologized to employees today for the company’s failure to support its queer community.
Starting immediately, we are increasing our support for advocacy groups to combat similar legislation in other states.
2022
Rockmond Dunbar sues Disney and 20th Television alleging racial discrimination
Lawsuit filed
Actor Rockmond Dunbar sued the producers of 9-1-1, including 20th Television, a Disney subsidiary, alleging racial discrimination related to the rejection of his medical and religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine requirement and his departure from the show. The allegations are claims in the lawsuit, not a court determination.
Company response
Denial — 20th Television
There are no differences in our process or decision-making based on an employee’s race.
Source excerpt
According to a new Deadline report, Dunbar has now initiated legal action against 20th Television, which is a subsidiary of Disney Television Studios.
In court documents, filed in a US District Court and dated Thursday (16 February), Dunbar accused Disney of racial discrimination, adding that "non-minority employees similarly situated" to the actor were not fired over refusing the Covid-19 vaccine.
Dunbar sought medical and religious exemption from getting vaccinated against Covid-19, which was rejected by 9-1-1’s production company 20th Television, leading to his character Michael Grant being unexpectedly written out of the show in season five.
2021
Disney files lawsuits to retain rights to Marvel characters
Lawsuit filed
In a controversy noted in 2021, Disney filed lawsuits seeking to retain full control of rights to several Marvel characters, including Iron Man, Thor, Spider-Man and Black Widow. According to the source report, the dispute involved the characters' creators and their heirs. The filing concerned the scope of Disney's rights to these characters, with the company pursuing legal action to keep full control. No further details on parties, amounts, or outcomes were provided in the source material.
Stated objective. retain full control of the characters
Company response
Denial — Disney
A Disney spokesperson said there was “no merit whatsoever to” Johansson’s filing.
Clarification — Disney
Disney has fully complied with Ms. Johansson’s contract
Clarification — Disney
While Disney’s representatives called the lawsuit “sad and depressing”
Source excerpt
Disney, owner of Marvel Entertainment, has filed lawsuits in a bid to retain full control of the characters, the
The suit alleges that “Disney intentionally induced Marvel’s breach of the agreement, without justification, in order to prevent Ms. Johansson from realizing the full benefit of her bargain with Marvel."
Scarlett Johansson, well-known for her Marvel role as Natasha Romanov AKA Black Widow, is suing Disney-owned Marvel Studios.
2021
Magic Key passholder sues Disney over reservation availability
Lawsuit filed
A Disneyland Magic Key passholder sued Disney, alleging that Disneyland's reservation availability for Dream Key holders contradicted the promise of no blockout dates. The suit seeks $5 million, and Disney said it intends to respond as the case proceeds in court.
Source excerpt
A Disneyland spokesperson told the Register, "we intend to respond as the case proceeds in court."
A Disneyland Magic Key passholder is suing Disney over the limited availability for theme park reservations. Attorneys for the Santa Clara County woman who filed the $5 million suit are trying to get the complaint certified as a class action, which could make all of Disneyland's Dream Key passholders parties to the claim.
The suit asserts that Disneyland promised that the top-tier, $1,399 Dream Key would have no blockout dates, but Disney ended up not allowing Dream Key holders to make park reservations on dates when tickets otherwise remained available for sale to single-day and multi-day ticket buyers.
2021
Vermont family files lawsuit against Disney
Lawsuit filed
A Vermont family sued Disney for $20 million, alleging that their toddler was sexually assaulted while in the care of a Disney Cruise Line daycare and that Disney was at fault for understaffing the daycare. Disney called the allegations unfounded and said local authorities had investigated them.
Company response
Denial — Disney Cruise Line
“The plaintiffs’ first allegations were reported to the FBI, and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office investigated them and determined them to be unfounded,” said Disney Cruise Line spokesperson Cynthia Martinez in a statement.
Source excerpt
A Vermont family is suing Disney for $20 million, saying their child was sexually assaulted while in the care of a Disney Cruise Line daycare.
The anonymous couple claim that their toddler was assaulted aboard the Disney Fantasy during a January 2020 cruise in a lawsuit filed on September 22.
“The plaintiffs’ first allegations were reported to the FBI, and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office investigated them and determined them to be unfounded,” said Disney Cruise Line spokesperson Cynthia Martinez in a statement.
2021
Disneyland Snow White attraction draws backlash over its finale
Public backlash
Disneyland’s updated Snow White attraction drew backlash over a finale in which the Prince kisses Snow White while she is asleep and without her consent, according to a review quoted in the article.
Source excerpt
The updated Snow White attraction at Disneyland is receiving backlash just days after the park opened for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
“A kiss he gives to her without her consent, while she’s asleep, which cannot possibly be true love if only one person knows it’s happening.”
Disneyland’s revamped Snow White ride is facing backlash over Snow White and Prince Charming’s kiss while she’s asleep.
2021
Disney+ customers share cancellation confirmations amid backlash over Gina Carano’s firing
Public backlash
Following Lucasfilm’s decision to drop Gina Carano, Disney+ customers shared screenshots of cancellation confirmations and used the hashtags #FireDisneyPlus and #CancelDisneyPlus as part of the backlash.
Source excerpt
The other stripe of the backlash consisted of Disney+ customers sharing screenshots of cancellation confirmations, along with the hashtag #FireDisneyPlus and #CancelDisneyPlus.
As of this writing, it is still live.
2020
Game Plan sues over slogan
Lawsuit filed
Game Plan Inc filed a lawsuit against Uninterrupted, Nike, Disney, and Two-Take Interactive Software Inc., claiming that LeBron James and Uninterrupted took its "I am more than an athlete" slogan. Uninterrupted called the lawsuit "meritless."
Company response
Denial — Uninterrupted
Uninterrupted has slammed the lawsuit as 'meritless'.
Source excerpt
Maryland non-profit Game Plan Inc filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against LeBron James' Uninterrupted media company. They claim James stole their 'I am more than an athlete' slogan. They also sued Nike Disney, and Two-Take Interactive Software Inc.
Uninterrupted has slammed the lawsuit as 'meritless'.
2020
Disney waives school screening fee and apologizes
Company response
The Walt Disney Company stated it would not pursue a $250 licensing fee that had been demanded after Emerson Elementary screened The Lion King. CEO Robert Iger apologized to the school's PTA and said he would personally donate to the school's fundraising initiative. The incident, reported on February 6, 2020, centered on the licensing fee request following the school's screening of the film.
The Walt Disney Company said it would not pursue a $250 licensing fee demanded after Emerson Elementary screened The Lion King, and CEO Robert Iger apologized to the PTA. Iger also said he would personally donate to the school's fundraising initiative.
Company response
Apology — The Walt Disney Company
On Thursday morning, Disney’s Chairman and CEO Robert Iger said on Twitter that the company apologizes to the PTA.
Remediation — The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company has not only waived a $250 fee it previously demanded for a Lion King screening at Emerson Elementary
Source excerpt
The Walt Disney Company has not only waived a $250 fee it previously demanded for a Lion King screening at Emerson Elementary, but the conglomerate’s CEO has pledged to personally donate to the Berkeley school.
On Thursday morning, Disney’s Chairman and CEO Robert Iger said on Twitter that the company apologizes to the PTA.
“Disney has instructed us to not pursue the fee for this situation,” she said.
2020
Court order resolves Disney lawsuit against DisGear retailer
Ruling
Disney won a civil federal lawsuit against online retailer Mouseprint Media, also known as DisGear, after suing it over copyright and trademark infringement involving images used on merchandise. A March 24 court order outlined steps Mouseprint Media agreed to take, including relinquishing merchandise and its website to Disney's control and permanently stopping sales and distribution.
Company response
Remediation — Mouseprint Media
The store agreed to permanently stop selling and distributing its merchandise.
Source excerpt
The store agreed to permanently stop selling and distributing its merchandise.
The March 24 court order signed by U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton Jr. did not mention any dollar settlements but outlined several steps that Mouseprint Media agreed to in order to essentially shut down its business, including relinquishing merchandise and its website to Disney’s control.
Disney won a civil federal lawsuit this month after it sued a Winter Garden online retailer last year for copyright and trademark infringement for using images from “Star Wars” and “Frozen” to Mickey Mouse on its shirts.
2020
Disney sues over Florida property tax assessments
Lawsuit filed
Disney filed 12 lawsuits against Orange County Property Appraiser Rich Singh, alleging that the county's tax assessments of its Orlando-area properties were too high and that the appraiser's office did not follow professionally accepted appraisal practices. Singh's spokesperson said the appraisals were correct.
Source excerpt
The company filed 12 lawsuits this week against Singh, claiming the county’s tax assessment of its Orlando-area properties, including Disney World, were too high.
Disney didn’t provide an alternate assessment figure in the suits, but called the assessment from Singh’s office “excessive,” and accused him of “not following professionally accepted appraisal practices.”
Beth Watson, a spokesperson for Singh, said that the appraisals were correct and that Disney’s properties “had been undervalued for decades by previous property appraisers.”
2020
Disney residual-interest settlement with WGA West
Settlement
In June 2020, the Writers Guild of America West reached a $5.25 million settlement with Disney concerning interest owed on late-paid residuals for five Fox animated series. The settlement addressed interest on residuals that had been paid late, rather than the residuals themselves. The five series were Fox animated shows. The event was reported by Deadline, which described the agreement as a settlement between WGA West and Disney over interest on late residuals for the five Fox animated shows.
WGA West reached a $5.25 million settlement with Disney for interest owed on late-paid residuals for five Fox animated series.
Source excerpt
The WGA West has reached a $5.25 million settlement with Disney for interest owed on late-paid residuals for five Fox animated series: The Simpsons, Family Guy, The Cleveland Show, American Dad! and Futurama.
2020
Disney's Mulan faces renewed boycott calls over Xinjiang filming credits
Public backlash
Disney's film Mulan faced renewed boycott calls after its closing credits thanked government agencies in Xinjiang, a region where the article reports Muslim Uighurs were being held in internment camps. Human rights groups and foreign media have reported abuses there; the article does not establish a legal finding against Disney.
Company response
Clarification — Disney
She said some scenery from "Mulan" was shot in China. She said acknowledging governments that let you film on location is a widely followed practice.
Source excerpt
Mulan is facing renewed calls for a boycott after authorities in China's western region of Xinjiang - where some one million Muslim Uighurs are reportedly being held in internment camps - were thanked in the film's closing credits.
And this month, keen-eyed critics noticed that part of the movie was filmed in the Chinese region of Xinjiang. Disney thanked Xinjiang authorities in the credits.
Calls for a boycott of "Mulan" have grown.
2020
Disney sued over Toy Story 4 character
Lawsuit filed
A news headline reported that Disney was sued over a "daredevil character" in Toy Story 4. The supplied source provides no further details about the claim, including the parties involved, the nature of the allegations, or the outcome. This note records only the existence of the reported lawsuit as described in the headline and does not add any additional facts.
A headline reported that Disney was sued over a "daredevil character" in Toy Story 4; the supplied source provides no further details about the claim.
Source excerpt
Disney sued over Toy Story 4 'daredevil character'