Ariana DeBose Says She Spoke with Disney CEO Bob Chapek About His Handling of the 'Don't Say Gay' Bill

Ariana DeBose is speaking out.

Earlier this month, Disney faced backlash after it was revealed the company had reportedly donated to the sponsors of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which prohibits teachers from discussing LGBTQ topics like gender identity with students until after third grade.

At the 2022 Oscars on Sunday (March 27), the West Side Story actress discussed Disney’s initial response to the controversy and shared that she had reached out to Bob about the matter.

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“Bob and I, we’re gonna do the work,” she told Variety. “I have [spoken to Bob]. 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.”

Ariana, who became the first openly queer woman of color to win an Oscar for her role as Anita, also opened up about LGBTQ+ representation at the Oscars, including fellow nominee Kristen Stewart.

“We’re here. We’re queer. And we’ve been here,” she said.

On Monday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill into law. Disney subsequently issued a response, vowing to fight and repeal the law.