Disney CEO Says Company Could Leave Georgia Over Abortion Law
Disney has filmed movies such as “Avengers: Endgame” and “Black Panther” in Georgia and is currently shooting a reality television show in the state.
Jae C. Hong / Associated Press
A top Disney executive says it would be “very difficult” for the company to keep filming in Georgia if the state’s anti-abortion law takes effect.
It’s the second production company week to threaten to leave the state over the measure.
“I think many people who work for us will not want to work there, and we will have to heed their wishes in that regard,” Disney CEO Bob Iger told Reuters Wednesday.
The company has filmed movies such as “Avengers: Endgame” and “Black Panther” in Georgia and is currently shooting a reality television show in the state.
But Iger says there’s no guarantee Disney will keep coming back once the law takes effect. That’s set to happen Jan. 1, 2020, assuming the measure doesn’t get blocked in court.
“If it becomes law, I don’t see how it’s practical for us to continue to shoot there,” he said.
It would ban most abortions as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. That’s generally when cardiac activity can be detected in the womb.
Groups such as the ACLU of Georgia have threatened to sue over the law sometime this summer.
Netflix and a number of high-profile producers, such as Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, have said they’ll support that legal fight.
Gov. Brian Kemp’s office declined to comment on the recent statements from Disney or Netflix.
The Motion Picture Association of America estimates the film and television industry supports more than 92,000 jobs in Georgia.
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