Disney CEO Bob Iger, Willow Bay’s Angel City FC – Business News
The girls’s skilled soccer workforce co-owned by Disney boss Robert Iger and his spouse Willow Bay has come out in opposition to the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement actions within the membership’s home metropolis of Los Angeles — and branded itself “Immigrant City FC” amid the controversy.
Angel City FC, the National Women’s Soccer League Team for which the Igers paid round $100 million for a controlling stake final yr, posted a message on its official Instagram account over the Juneteenth vacation.
The workforce stated it was “heartbroken by the fear and uncertainty many in our Los Angeles community are feeling right now,” referring to ICE raids in LA which have turn out to be a flashpoint within the simmering national debate over undocumented migrants.
Angel City FC, the Los Angeles-based girls’s skilled soccer workforce whose possession group contains Disney CEO Bob Iger and his journalist spouse Willow Bay, has come out in opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration insurance policies. Getty Images
The post continued: “At Angel City, we believe in the power of belonging. We know that our city is stronger because of its diversity and the people and families who shape it, love it, and call it home.”
The assertion is a component of a bigger marketing campaign launched by Angel City FC referred to as “Immigrant City F.C.,” which incorporates the distribution of 10,000 bilingual T-shirts at a latest home match, in accordance with the information web site Deadline.
The initiative was backed by the workforce’s possession group, together with high-profile figures like Eva Longoria, Uzo Aduba, Jessica Chastain and America Ferrera.
All internet proceeds from the shirt gross sales are being donated to Camino Immigration Services, a nonprofit law firm that represents undocumented migrants.
While Iger shouldn’t be concerned in day-to-day management of the membership, the Disney chief and his spouse, who’ve gained a fame for eager to steer clear of political controversies, each signed off on the “Immigrant City” marketing campaign and had been consulted by means of each step, in accordance with Deadline.
Los Angeles sports activities groups have been roped into the immigration debate within the final couple of days. The Dodgers, one of two LA-based Major League Baseball golf equipment, stated they denied permission to federal brokers with the Department of Homeland Security to gain entry to Dodger Stadium’s parking zone.
Protesters had been seen exterior Dodger Stadium on Thursday after federal brokers allegedly tried to gain entry to the venue’s parking zone. ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
The federal brokers as an alternative set up store simply exterior of the stadium at Chavez Ravine — prompting protesters to descend on the scene.
The Post has sought remark from Disney, Bay and the Angel City FC membership.
Iger, in the meantime, has been criticized together with different media executives for bending the knee to President Donald Trump.
In December 2024, Disney, the father or mother company of ABC, agreed to a $16 million settlement to resolve a defamation lawsuit introduced by Trump.
The case stemmed from repeated on-air statements by ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos, who stated Trump had been “found liable for rape” within the E. Jean Carroll civil trial.
Angel City FC posted a message on its official Instagram account.
In truth, Trump was discovered answerable for sexual abuse and defamation, not rape. After a federal decide in Florida denied Disney’s motions to dismiss, and with discovery looming, the company agreed to pay $15 million to Trump’s presidential basis and museum, together with $1 million in legal charges.
Earlier this month, Disney-owned ABC News confronted one other controversy when veteran correspondent Terry Moran was fired following a viral post on X.
In the post, Moran referred to as Trump and White House adviser Stephen Miller “world-class haters,” claiming Miller’s “hatreds serve as his spiritual sustenance.” The post triggered swift condemnation from the White House, with Vice President JD Vance calling the remarks “vile.”
ABC suspended Moran within hours, citing a violation of its editorial requirements, and shortly after introduced his departure from the community.
Federal brokers stage exterior Gate E of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday. AP
Before President Trump was elected to a second time period, Disney discovered itself on the middle of America’s cultural battles. Detractors, particularly on the proper, have accused Disney of being too political.
In 2020, Disney publicly criticized Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act — dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law by opponents — which restricted how gender identification and sexual orientation may very well be mentioned in faculties.
After initially staying quiet, the company reversed course underneath strain from staff and the public.
That shift drew the ire of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who moved to strip Disney of its particular governing district, Reedy Creek — a privilege the company had loved for more than 50 years. The dispute dragged on for 2 years, touchdown in court docket earlier than a settlement was reached in 2024.
Fans maintain up indicators opposing latest ICE raids during a recreation between the Angel City FC and the North Carolina Courage at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on June 14. NWSL by way of Getty Images
Conservatives have been essential of Disney’s handling of LGBTQ themes in its programming—notably content material aimed toward youngsters.
The most up-to-date instance entails the animated sequence “Win or Lose,” during which Disney reportedly eliminated a transgender storyline involving a character initially portrayed as transitioning.
While the character remained within the show, key dialogue and narrative components tied to their gender identification had been cut earlier than the sequence aired on Disney+.
The company said that such topics are best left to folks to handle with their youngsters—a transfer that was praised by many conservative viewers as a cheap and respectful strategy.
In 2022, the company was criticized for initially eradicating — after which restoring — a same-sex kiss in “Lightyear,” prompting worldwide bans and boycotts.
