Gabrielle Union.Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
Gabrielle Unionis standing her ground.
Union initially toldThe Hollywood Reporterof theCheaper By the Dozenscript earlier this month, “I’m incredibly proud of this, especially right now, because we actually say gay.”
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Gabrielle Union.CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images
Speaking directly about the legislation, she added toTHR, “I don’t want to say shock because hatred doesn’t shock me at this point. I’ve been a Black woman in America since ‘72 — nothing shocks me. But the fear that gripped me because I know what this leads to.”
The recently passed bill (HB 1557) prohibits discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity in primary school classrooms. Florida Gov.Ron DeSantisappears poised to sign the bill.
Regarding Disney — which employs tens of thousands of people atWalt Disney Worldin Orlando, Florida, and has plans to relocate more employees to the state — and its lack of initial response to the bill, Union toldVariety"disappointed" isn’t the right word.
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“Somebody asked me, ‘Are you disappointed?’ I’m disappointed when my order isn’t right at In-N-Out. I don’t even think that’s a word that you could use for something like this, where children’s lives are literally hanging in the balance. We need to own that if you truly are taking stands against hate and oppression,you should not fund hate and oppression. Period,” she said. “The damage is done.”
The actress added, “There are so many states that are following suit because there is no pushback, because no one in positions of power [or] corporations are taking a hard stance. Let’s look who’s donating to what and let’s call people out.”
Chapek, 61, said in hismessage to Disney employees, “You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry.” The executive added, “Starting immediately, [Disney is] increasing [its] support for advocacy groups to combat similar legislation in other states.”
He also said that he reached out to DeSantis, 43, “to express our disappointment and concern that if the legislation becomes law it could be used to target LGBTQ kids and families,” and that the governor has agreed to meet with him and LGBTQ members of Disney’s senior team.
Disney has not responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
source: people.com
