Gabrielle Union slams Disney's response to Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill: 'The damage is done'

• Gabrielle Union criticized Disney's response to Florida's Parental Rights in Education legislation.
• Union said corporations should not "fund hate and oppression."

Gabrielle Union criticized Disney for its response to Florida's Parental Rights in Education legislation, dubbed the "Don't say gay" bill, while on the red carpet for her Disney-produced remake of the 2005 film "Cheaper by the Dozen."

Union — who stars alongside Zach Braff in the Disney+ remake — was asked about the controversy surrounding Disney's proximity to the bill, which has been described as a piece of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

"Somebody asked me, 'Are you disappointed?' I'm disappointed when my order isn't right at In-N-Out. I don't even think that's a word that you could use for something like this, where children's lives are literally hanging in the balance," Union told Variety at the "Cheaper by the Dozen" premiere.

"We need to own that if you truly are taking stands against hate and oppression, you should not fund hate and oppression," she continued. "Period. The damage is done."

Florida's Parental Rights in Education legislation would prevent schools from discussing gender or sexual orientation with kids in kindergarten through third grade. Florida's state legislature has passed the bill, and it's expected to be signed by the state's Governor Ron DeSantis.

Earlier this month, LGBTQ+ activists protested outside Disney theme parks in California and Florida, demanding the company publish a forceful rebuke of the bill.

A statement from the company last week, however, seemed to dodge the bill entirely.

"We understand how important this issue is to our LGBTQ+ employees and many others," the statement read. "For nearly a century, Disney has been a unifying force that brings people together. We are determined that it remains a place where everyone is treated with dignity and respect."

The Orlando Sentinel has also reported that Disney donated money to sponsors of the bill.

On Monday, Disney CEO Bob Chapek sent a memo to Disney employees, which was reviewed by Insider, that explained the company's initial response to the bill and promised to stop "all political donations in the state of Florida" pending a review.

"As we have seen time and again, corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds," the CEO said in the memo.

"Where we may differ is in the tactics to get there. And because this struggle is much bigger than anyone bill in any one state, I believe the best way for our company to bring about lasting change is through the inspiring content we produce, the welcoming culture we create, and the diverse community organizations we support."

LGBTQ+ staff at Disney sent a letter on February 28 to leaders at the company requesting the company make a public statement, Variety reported.