Disney Downplays Impact of Former CEO Bob Chapek's Tell-All Memoir
Insiders suggest the book is largely seen as an anti-Bob Iger screed, with current leadership unconcerned about its content.
Disney is reportedly unphased by the impending release of former CEO Bob Chapek's memoir, "Behind the Castle Walls," which details his tumultuous three-year tenure and casts a critical eye on his predecessor, Bob Iger. An insider told Page Six that the book is viewed internally as "a bit of a yawner" and that "the Chapek thing is done and dusted from [Disney’s] point of view."
The memoir, set to be released on Tuesday, purports to recount Chapek's "hero's journey" from Indiana to the helm of the entertainment giant. However, the book primarily focuses on Chapek's perception of Iger actively undermining him during his time as CEO. Chapek claims Iger's demeanor on his first day signaled a reluctance to relinquish control and alleges that Iger privately criticized him, snubbed him during his retirement speech, and undermined his response to the controversial "Don't Say Gay" bill.
Chapek recounts a specific instance where Iger publicly sided with President Biden on the legislation via Twitter, which Chapek interpreted as an attempt to highlight his own perceived missteps. "He was implying none of this would have happened on his watch, and all this was a simple and clear decision for the company," Chapek writes. "To him, it was the perfect opportunity to use the situation to show he was right, and I was wrong."
The book also addresses the public dispute between Disney and Scarlett Johansson in 2021 over the release of "Black Widow." Chapek asserts that the company's harsh public response to Johansson's breach of contract lawsuit was initiated by Disney's head of communications and approved by Iger. Chapek stated in a recent Wall Street Journal interview that he found the company's statement "very harsh" and "nontraditional."
Despite these accounts, an insider at Disney dismissed the idea that Chapek "did nothing wrong" during his leadership. "Give me a break," the insider reportedly said.
Meanwhile, Disney leadership is reportedly more concerned about another upcoming book: "The House of Mouse," by Wall Street Journal reporter Robbie Whelan, focusing on Iger and the company. Disney and Iger are said to have hired attorney Charles Harder in anticipation of this release, which is slated for December. Iger himself has also been actively involved in shaping his narrative, reportedly partnering with a former speechwriter on a sequel to his own memoir.
Some former Disney employees reportedly sympathize with Chapek, believing he was not given a fair chance due to Iger's alleged inability to fully let go of power. One former employee told Page Six that "Iger retired seven times because he couldn’t ‘let go.’"
Iger, who has been involved in a group purchasing the LA Lakers, has not publicly addressed Chapek's memoir. Disney has not commented on the book's contents.