UPDATE (6/2517): As the Orlando Sentinel now reports, a previously planned “die-in” protest at Disney has been canceled over concerns that such a display would traumatize children. However, the group National Die-In still plans to pressure Disney to break ties with Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam by other means.
Previously:
According to the Orlando Sentinel, protestors are planning to stage a “die-in” on Disney property sometime this month.
- The protest is to be hosted by National Die-In, with survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and Pulse Nightclub shootings apparently set to participate.
- This proposed protest is in response to Disney’s support for Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate and current state agriculture commissioner Adam Putnam.
- Disney has reportedly donated $789,000 to Putnam’s political committee Florida Grown since 2015.
- It’s unclear whether the event would be held at Disney headquarters or at one of the theme parks.
- Previously, National Die-In hosted protests and multiple Publix locations due to the grocery chain’s donations to Putnam. The company has since suspended political donations.
- A Disney spokeswoman did not respond to the Orlando Sentinel’s request for comment.
https://twitter.com/NationalDieIn/status/1006711093933338624
What they’re saying:
- National Die-In (via Twitter): “Disney has donated almost $1 mil to gubernatorial candidate and self-described NRA sellout [Adam Putnam]. While we appreciate the work Disney has done to support the LGBTQ+ community, this is unacceptable. Email Disney, tell them what you think [email protected]”
- Brandon Wolf, Pulse survivor: “Disney, your movies and theme parks have come to stand for what the American Dream is all about: hope, happiness and a better future for our children. As a gun violence survivor, I am begging you to stop supporting NRA sellouts like Adam Putnam.”
- Adam Putnam, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Republican Candidate for Governor: “The state of Florida is better off because of corporate citizens like Disney and Publix. They employ hundreds of thousands of individuals, they support families, they’re generous to our communities, I hope that for political purposes people don’t try to tear down some of the best corporate citizens not just in Florida but in this country.”