It’s been established already that Disney now runs the world. And as our new overlord, the Mouse House controls everything, especially when it comes to the studio’s work. We just have to deal with it. And sadly, for an elementary school, they had to learn about the new state of the world the hard way, after receiving a fine for playing “The Lion King” at a local fundraising event.
But now, Disney CEO Bob Iger would like to apologize for this unfortunate situation.
As reported by CNN, Emerson Elementary School in Berkeley, California, had to pay a $250 fine (enforced by the organization Movie Licensing USA) after illegally playing the 2019 remake of “The Lion King” at an event called Parent’s Night out. The school wasn’t aware that it required permission to hold a screening, even at a local event that only raised $800 that night. Now, the school is on the hook for a fine that cost almost one-third of its total earnings.
However, on Twitter, Iger posted a message apologizing to Emerson Elementary School and promising to make a donation himself.
“Our company @WaltDisneyCo apologizes to the Emerson Elementary School PTA and I will personally donate to their fund raising initiative,” tweeted the executive.
No word on whether Disney would cover the fine or how much Iger would donate to the fundraising initiative, but it’s clear that the studio doesn’t want to be seen as some bully that muscles school kids out of their fundraising dollars. And yes, it’s obvious that Disney isn’t wrong for asking for money for the screening, as the school should have acquired permission before screening the film, but let’s be honest, no one knows those rules unless they’re involved in the industry.
Even though I was kidding about Disney ruling the world and all that, it’s clear that the biggest film studio in the world is still not above admitting it’s wrong once in a while.