Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, has expressed his support for Fox executives Peter Rice and Dana Walden after they were “slammed” in the arbitration award given to the stars and producer of the crime drama Bones, according to Deadline.
- Rice and Walden, along with Fox TV chair Gary Newman, were cited in a judge’s ruling as having “given false testimony in an attempt to conceal their wrongful acts.”
- After the decision was made public, Iger spoke on the matter, saying “Peter Rice and Dana Walden are highly respected leaders in this industry, and we have complete confidence in their character and integrity.”
- Rice and Walden have already been named to senior TV position with Disney.
- Iger went on to explain that this arbitration had nothing to do with his company, saying “Disney had no involvement in the arbitration, and we understand the decision is being challenged and will leave it to the courts to decide the matter.”
- Fox is contesting the $179 million arbitration award they were forced to hand over as a result of the profit participation lawsuit served to them by the stars and executive producer of Bones.
What they’re saying:
- A statement from Fox on the arbitration: “Fox will not allow this flagrant injustice, riddled with errors and gratuitous character attacks, to stand and will vigorously challenge the ruling in a court of law.”
ICYMI – More Fox news:
- Disney cleared one of the final hurdles in its acquisition of Fox as Brazilian regulators have approved the deal with Disney accepting the condition that it must sell its Fox Sports channel in the country.
- Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn discussed the Fox deal and other future Disney happenings.
- During the recent Q1 2019 earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger said Disney will continue to make R-rated Marvel movies.