Ariana DeBose Says She’s Discussed Disney’s Handling of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill With CEO Bob Chapek: ‘We’re Gonna Do the Work’
variety.comMarc Malkin Senior Film Awards, Events & Lifestyle EditorAriana DeBose made history on Sunday night by becoming the first openly queer woman of color to win an acting Oscar for her work as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story.” The musical was distributed by 20th Century Studios, which is owned by The Walt Disney Company.On the Academy Awards red carpet before the ceremony, I talked with DeBose about Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
DeBose says she has reached out to Disney CEO Bob Chapek to talk about the studio’s controversial reaction to the legislation.“Bob and I, we’re gonna do the work,” DeBose said. “I have [spoken to Chapek].
I’m a very hands-on type of person. And when I see something, I say something. And while I may not always put it on the internet, I do that.
I reached out. And I will continue to reach out and Bob knows that.” When I asked about queer representation at this year’s Oscars, which also included best actress nominee Kristen Stewart, DeBose smiled. “We’re here.
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