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Ben Smith Accuses Bob Chapek of Overstating Iger Email That Exposed Disney Power Struggle
WDW News Today • • business
Key Points:
- Bob Chapek has spoken publicly for the first time about his firing as Disney CEO, addressing his contentious relationship with predecessor Bob Iger.
- Journalist Ben Smith reflects on his 2020 New York Times article that highlighted Iger's reassertion of control during the COVID-19 crisis, which strained the Chapek-Iger relationship.
- Chapek claims Iger's interview with Smith was a clear attempt to undermine his leadership, though Smith disputes the significance of their email exchange and denies any intentional sabotage.
- Chapek is promoting his upcoming memoir, "Behind the Castle Walls," set for release in September 2026, where he defends his decisions at Disney Parks and credits himself for Josh D’Amaro’s rise to CEO.
- Chapek states his book aims to reveal the truth about his Disney tenure and clarifies he holds no personal grudge against Iger, only disapproves of Iger’s methods to regain control of the company.
