The Walt Disney Company recently ran into major trouble after a video of one of its senior vice presidents was leaked online. The studio is already facing scrutiny with its most recent Star Wars project The Acolyte, which has been called out for several issues. However, the leaked video of senior VP Michael Giordano has now allegedly revealed the studio’s unfair hiring practices.
In a video shared online, Giordano was reportedly seen discussing internal policies of the studio, which dictates which racial groups or social minorities might receive a preference for certain roles. The alleged comments come hot on the heels of The Acolyte facing severe backlash online from Star Wars fans. Here is what Giordano said and why his comments are more controversial than The Acolyte.
Disney Senior VP’s Alleged Video Reveals the Studio’s Discriminatory Hiring Practices
Michael Giordano serves as the Senior Vice President of Disney’s 20th Television division. The executive was embroiled in a series of controversial video recordings that were released online. In the recordings, Giordano can be allegedly seen openly discussing Disney’s casting practices, particularly the discriminatory nature of the same.
In one of the clips, Giordano reportedly revealed that the company has a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department to ensure diversity is maintained across hirings. At the same time, Giordano also allegedly addressed the company’s recent shift in telling more LGBTQ+ stories in one of the clips, stating:
A relatively large percentage of our top writers/creators, happen to be gay.
Furthermore, the executive added that the company’s aim for diversity was also partially informed by the economics of the business.
Giordano reportedly stated that the company looked to appeal to a wider audience with some of its productions, which would in turn mean more revenue. Similarly, Giordano seemingly suggested that Disney discriminated against actors of certain races and its diversity-heavy approach helped with its shareholders.
The Acolyte Star Amandla Stenberg Continues to Face Online Backlash in the Star Wars Fandom
Giordano’s comments imply that Disney’s diversity stems from senseless woke culture and pushing certain political and cultural agendas. The same has never been more blatantly evident than in the latest Star Wars series The Acolyte. The series has received criticism from fans for pushing agendas over good quality storytelling.
However, lead actress Amandla Stenberg has also faced racist backlash from fans in the process. The actress was brutally criticized by fans online for some of her comments and overall performance in the series. Therefore, it is clear that the growing trend in Disney’s agenda-driven storytelling and faux diversity is not only harming its products but also its talent.
Following racist backlash, Stenberg hit back against trolls by releasing a music video. However, the actress faced further criticism for the music video as the trolling continued. Ultimately, it is safe to say that the entire mess is of Disney’s own making, and irrespective of whether Giordano’s alleged comments can be corroborated as true, the studio needs to drastically course correct to appeal to fans.
The Acolyte and other Star Wars shows are streaming on Disney+.
