Disney Slams Activist Peltz's 'All-Black Cast' Critique: 'This is Exactly Why He Shouldn't Be Near A Creatively Driven Company'

Nabaparna Bhattacharya

March 23, 2024

Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) has reportedly stated that activist investor Nelson Peltz’s criticism of the company’s focus on movies featuring female and Black actors suggests he is unfit for Disney’s board.

Peltz, embroiled in a contentious board battle with Disney, told the Financial Times that Disney’s films prioritize messaging over quality storytelling, Reuters reported Saturday.

He singled out “The Marvels” and “Black Panther” as examples, the report said.

Also Read: Disney Activist Battle Rages On With Stock At 52-Week Highs: Can Nelson Peltz ‘Restore The Magic’?

“Why do I have to have a Marvel that’s all women? Why do I need an all-Black cast?” Peltz reportedly said.

A Disney spokesperson told Reuters: “This is exactly why Nelson Peltz shouldn’t be anywhere near a creatively driven company.”

Peltz’s battle with his Trian Partners fund places the notable activist investor advocating collaboration with target companies at odds with Disney CEO Bob Iger.

In his autobiography, “The Ride of a Lifetime,” Iger revealed his push to diversify Marvel films, originally centered on white male characters.

In the FT interview, Peltz questioned the track record of Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige.

Also See: Disney Heirs Rally Behind CEO Bob Iger, Slam Activist Investors As ‘Wolves In Sheep’s Clothing’ In Open Letter

Despite criticisms, Marvel Studios has achieved substantial success, with 33 films grossing nearly $30 billion worldwide.

Trian is seeking two Disney board seats, including one for Peltz and another for former CFO Jay Rasulo. Concurrently, Blackwells Capital aims for three board seats at Disney.

Disney’s annual meeting, marking the end of voting, is set for April 3, the report read.

Disney stock has gained over 20% in the past year. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via AdvisorShares Gerber Kawasaki ETF (NYSE:GK) and First Trust S-Network Streaming And Gaming ETF (NYSE:BNGE).

Read Next: Newmont’s Ghana Gold Mine Sale Targets $2B, Attracts Chinese Giants

This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Nelson Peltz and Disney logo illustration via Shutterstock.

Recommended

Time to Sell NVDA? 50-Yr Wall Street Legend Weighs In - Ad

One Crypto Can Change Your Financial Life - Ad

Breaking - AI Drug Sells for $4 Billion - Ad

The 2024 election is viewed as closely contested at this stage, with no clear lead emerging, but historical trends suggest a likely winner.

Former AG Bill Barr Announces Intention To Vote For Donald Trump, Despite Previously Saying Ex-President Shouldn't Be 'Anywhere Near The Oval Office'

Former Attorney General Bill Barr has announced his intention to vote for former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, despite his past criticism of Trump's actions.

Small A.I. Firm Wins $2 Billion in Contracts for Breakthrough "Living Software"

Small A.I. Firm Wins $2 Billion in Contracts for Breakthrough "Living Software" - Ad

Denver firm proves its possible to use AI to save the lives of soldiers in combat. England, Germany, Japan and Australia have all signed contracts within the past 18 months.

Macy's names 2 independent directors as part of agreement with activist investor

NEW YORK (AP) — Macy's said Wednesday it has named two independent directors to its board that were pushed by activist investor Arkhouse Management, ending a proxy fight that aimed to replace most of the board and to acquire the iconic chain.

Donald Trump Could Still Win Even If He Loses In Supreme Court Over Presidential Immunity Claim

Former President Donald Trump could see a strategic victory in his Supreme Court case, even if the court dismisses his claim regarding presidential immunity.

Shhh! This Is One Great Coin...

Shhh! This Is One Great Coin... - Ad

Shhh! I truly believe this crypto could be one of the top earning cryptos of all time... In fact, in the coming bull run... this one coin could have the potential to bank 10x... 50x... and even 100x.

Move Over Nvidia: Experts Bullish On Intel's AI Chip, Predict Surge In These Three Global Stocks

Charlie Chan and his team at Morgan Stanley forecast that the total Gaudi shipment volume could hit 300-400k units in 2025, generating $2-3bn revenue for Intel.

Delta Flight Returns To Atlanta After Takeoff: Boeing 757 'Yawing Aggressively'

Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Ft. Lauderdale diverted back to Atlanta due to Boeing 757 yawing aggressively.

Why James Altucher SOLD All His Bitcoin

Why James Altucher SOLD All His Bitcoin - Ad

Crypto genius James Altucher has been praising Bitcoin since it was trading for $61. But now he's buying another coin like crazy... and it's not Bitcoin!

Courtroom Appearances By These Two Members Of Donald Trump's Family Could Help Him In Hush-Money Trial, Say Experts

As former President Donald Trump faces a hush-money trial, legal experts suggest that the presence of his wife, former First Lady Melania Trump, and daughter, Ivanka Trump, could significantly influence t

A strong quarter for Wall Street lifts Goldman's first-quarter results

NEW YORK (AP) — Goldman Sachs said it saw a double digit rise in its first quarter profits on Monday, lifted broadly by the stock and bond markets' performances in the first months of the year.

Why Banks Could See a "Cash Frenzy" on May 1

Why Banks Could See a "Cash Frenzy" on May 1 - Ad

He called the Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008... the Bitcoin crash in 2018... and the inflation crisis of 2022. Now, he's warning that the 2023 banking crisis is not over yet. Instead, we could see a cash frenzy at banks as soon as March 11. Do NOT buy another stock until you see his newest presentation.

Missouri's $2B Marijuana Market Hits Record Sales In March, Eyes Future Growth With Microbusiness Licenses

The Missouri cannabis market set a new monthly sales record in March, reaching nearly $125 million. According to the latest data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), the adult-use cannabis sector contributed $108.7 million in March, with medical cannabis adding another $16 million, culminating in a total of $124.7 million.

NY AG Letitia James Seeks To Void Trump's $175M Bond In Civil Fraud Case

The New York Attorney General Letitia James' office has moved to invalidate the $175 million bond secured by former President Donald Trump.

A.I. Pioneer Issues Urgent Warning to Americans

A.I. Pioneer Issues Urgent Warning to Americans - Ad

According to one early A.I. pioneer: "You can either use this as an unfair advantage to grow your wealth, or you can let it ravage your retirement savings. There's no middle option."

Over $1M Bet On This Consumer Cyclical Stock? Check Out These 3 Stocks Insiders Are Buying

Although U.S. stocks closed lower on Friday, there were a few notable insider trades.

Union Pacific's first-quarter profit creeps up 1% as railroad limits expenses

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Union Pacific's first-quarter profit crept 1% higher as the railroad tightened up on expenses — particularly its fuel bill — even though it delivered slightly less freight.

The Mysterious Tale of "America's No. 1 Retirement Stock"

The Mysterious Tale of "America's No. 1 Retirement Stock" - Ad

This factory of 53,000 employees, in Burbank, CA, was camouflaged to look like a sleepy suburb (with the help of artists, set designers, and painters from nearby Hollywood movie studios). The mysterious company behind this disappearing act is now being called "America's No. 1 Retirement Stock".

If O.J. Simpson's assets go to court, Goldman, Brown families could be first in line

LOS ANGELES (AP) — without having paid the lion’s share of the $33.5 million judgment a California civil jury awarded to the families of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend .

Why Dragonfly Energy Shares Are Rocketing Premarket Tuesday

Dragonfly Energy shares surge premarket after reporting Q4 2023 results, with decreased sales and improved Adjusted EBITDA.

Jeff Bezos' Next Trillion Dollar Bet (shocking)

Jeff Bezos' Next Trillion Dollar Bet (shocking) - Ad

Wall Street legend has just uncovered one tiny Maryland company that could become the next Nvidia. Few in the media are talking about this story yet...but in the next 6 months that's all they'll talk about.

General Motors And Ford Are Facing The Same Challenge As They Run Back To Gas-Powered Trucks

General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Ford Motor (NYSE: F) will report their first quarter results next week.

Alcoa Well-Positioned To Benefit From Positive Pricing Momentum, Analyst Says

Alcoa receives price target increase from analysts after beating earnings estimates. Alumina production and shipments expected to rise in FY24.

MUST SEE By May 1: Beware Biden's Trojan Horse

MUST SEE By May 1: Beware Biden's Trojan Horse - Ad

It could usher in the most radical transformation of our money we've ever seen in America's history... trigger a surprise election outcome in the coming months... and fundamentally alter the value of your savings forever. One 24-year market veteran warns that most Americans simply aren't prepared for what's coming on May 1.

Tesla Bull Says 'Don't Know...What's Going To Happen To TSLA Stock Next Week' Ahead Of Earnings Call: 'Much Depends On...'

Black expects the $25K compact's production to commence in 2026, despite the prioritization of the robotaxi project.

Jim Cramer Turns Bullish On Palantir: 'Make A Move And Buy Some'

CNBC’s “Mad Money” host Jim Cramer has given a thumbs up to Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:PLTR), sparking interest among investors.

Bitcoin Gained 164% in 2023 but Crypto Millionaire Abandoned It for This

Bitcoin Gained 164% in 2023 but Crypto Millionaire Abandoned It for This - Ad

A certain crypto genius and millionaire has been praising Bitcoin since it was trading for $61. Even though it gained 164% last year, he's now recommending a different cryptocurrency. In fact, he's betting his own money on and buying it like crazy.

Ex-Trump CFO Allen Weisselberg to be sentenced for perjury, faces second stint in jail

NEW YORK (AP) — Allen Weisselberg, a former longtime executive in Donald Trump’s real estate empire, is set to be sentenced Wednesday for lying under oath in the ex-president’s New York .

FBI Chief To Warn Congress Of Potential Coordinated Attack In US Similar To Russia Massacre: 'Threats To Our Public Safety And National Security...So Elevated'

FBI Director Christopher Wray is expected to raise concerns about the possibility of a coordinated attack in the United States, similar to the recent massacre in Russia, in a congressional hearing on Thursday.

America's Cash Bubble Set to Burst on May 1, 2024

America's Cash Bubble Set to Burst on May 1, 2024 - Ad

For the first time I've ever heard of... we know the exact day (and time) a bubble is going to burst. This is insane and something we only have access to because of Jason's findings (that he's sharing with his ultra-elite clients). To find out what the cash bubble is and why you're vulnerable to it without even realizing...

TikTok Sale Or Ban? Social Media Giant's Future Hangs In Balance As House Passes Controversial Bill

On Saturday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that could significantly impact the future of TikTok in the U.S.

EXCLUSIVE: How The Bitcoin Halving Could Transform The Market

The clock is ticking down to the next monumental event in the cryptocurrency world: the Bitcoin halving.

"If I Had To Pour Every Single Penny of My Retirement Into Just ONE STOCK..."

"If I Had To Pour Every Single Penny of My Retirement Into Just ONE STOCK..." - Ad

The former Goldman Sachs VP -- who called everything from Microsoft's 1,100% surge... to the death of the 60/40 portfolio -- is now stepping forward with his most explicit message yet: "Make this ONE STOCK the cornerstone of your portfolio."

Dead whale in New Jersey had a fractured skull among numerous injuries, experts find

LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — A post-mortem examination of a whale that washed ashore on New Jersey's Long Beach Island found that the animal had sustained numerous blunt force injuries including a fractured skull and vertebrae.

The world's largest 3D printer is at a university in Maine. It just unveiled an even bigger one

ORONO, Maine (AP) — The world’s largest 3D printer has created a house that can cut construction time and labor. An even larger printer unveiled on Tuesday may one day create entire neighborhoods.

The No. 1 AI Stock of 2024 (Not Nvidia)

The No. 1 AI Stock of 2024 (Not Nvidia) - Ad

It's not Nvidia, Meta Platforms, Alphabet, or Amazon. But thanks to a recent major deal, an under-the-radar stock could become the No. 1 winner of the AI boom. "This company just teamed up with one of the biggest power players in the AI industry... yet you can still buy it for just one-twelfth the price of Nvidia -- the time to buy is NOW," says Marc Chaikin.

Taiwan Bolsters 'Chip Diplomacy' With Canada And France Amid China Tensions

In a move to bolster its global standing, Taiwan has extended its 'chip diplomacy' to the Czech Republic, signing a tech pact with the U.S., Canada, France, and Germany in recent months.

Germany's Scholz calls for fair competition and warns against dumping during China visit

BEIJING (AP) — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for fair competition in trade relations with China while warning about dumping and overproduction as he spoke to students in Shanghai on Monday.

Did This Crypto Millionaire Humiliate Himself?

Did This Crypto Millionaire Humiliate Himself? - Ad

On September 2022, crypto millionaire James Altucher published a video saying he had sold all his Bitcoin... and doubled down on this crypto instead. At the time, cryptos had already dropped 70%. But James still said this crypto was a good investment. Was he right? Or did he embarrass himself?

Latest Bitcoin Halving Could Cost Miners Billions Of Dollars In Revenue: Report

On Friday, the Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) network underwent its fourth halving since 2012, a pivotal event that halved the mining reward — the amount of Bitcoin awarded

Trending Now

In Week 1 Of Donald Trump's Hush Money Trial, A Former Tabloid Exec Revealed How Ex-President Tried To Suppress Damaging Stories

Voters Reveal Whether They Feel Donald Trump Is Receiving Fair Treatment In Court In Latest Poll â€” What That Means For Former President's Election Chances