Raven-Symoné walks off set of Disney show to protest ‘stupid’ Don’t Say Gay bill
Raven-Symoné and the cast of her Disney Channel show Raven’s Home walked off set. (Instagram/ ravensymone)
Raven-Symoné and the cast of her Disney Channel show Raven’s Home walked off set on Tuesday (22 March) in protest against Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill.
Disney has faced backlash over its its political donations to Republicans pushing the bill, which would ban LGBT+ topics in classrooms, as well as its lacklustre response to criticism.
The company initially defended its political donations, and said that the “biggest impact” it could make was by creating “inspiring content”.
CEO Bob Chapek later apologised and paused donations, but has been slammed for not taking meaningful action against ‘Don’t Say Gay’, prompting employee walk-outs and protests organised by the Disney Do Better group.
On Tuesday, Raven-Symoné and the cast of Raven’s Home joined Disney staffers in walking out.
In a video posted to Instagram, she said: “We are walking out today in [protest against] this ridiculous bill… We don’t like it! We’re walking out. It’s stupid. We love everyone. Support, support, support.”
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She added in a caption: “In support of our LGBTQ+ family and all of those who will be damaged by the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill we the cast of Raven’s Home are walking out.
“In today’s world it is imperative that we take stands, show support, and move forward not backwards. Every family every person and every child deserves to be recognized no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation.
“Education that reflects the truth and the world we live in is something we must fight for.”
The Disney Channel told People in a statement: “Production on our series Raven’s Home was interrupted today when members of the cast participated in a walkout designed to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. Our colleagues have both our respect and our support.”
Florida’s hateful ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill passed through the state senate earlier this month, and is headed to the desk of Republican governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it into law.
