The ladies’s skilled soccer workforce co-owned by Disney boss Robert Iger and his spouse Willow Bay has come out in opposition to the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement actions within the membership’s residence metropolis of Los Angeles — and branded itself “Immigrant City FC” amid the controversy.
Angel Metropolis FC, the Nationwide Girls’s Soccer League Workforce for which the Igers paid round $100 million for a controlling stake final 12 months, posted a message on its official Instagram account over the Juneteenth vacation.
The workforce mentioned it was “heartbroken by the fear and uncertainty many in our Los Angeles community are feeling right now,” referring to ICE raids in LA which have turn into a flashpoint within the simmering nationwide debate over undocumented migrants.
The submit continued: “At Angel City, we believe in the power of belonging. We know that our city is stronger because of its diversity and the people and families who shape it, love it, and call it home.”
The assertion is a component of a bigger marketing campaign launched by Angel Metropolis FC referred to as “Immigrant City F.C.,” which incorporates the distribution of 10,000 bilingual T-shirts at a latest residence match, in line with the information website Deadline.
The initiative was backed by the workforce’s possession group, together with high-profile figures like Eva Longoria, Uzo Aduba, Jessica Chastain and America Ferrera.
All internet proceeds from the shirt gross sales are being donated to Camino Immigration Companies, a nonprofit legislation agency that represents undocumented migrants.
Whereas Iger is just not concerned in day-to-day administration of the membership, the Disney chief and his spouse, who’ve gained a repute for eager to avoid political controversies, each signed off on the “Immigrant City” marketing campaign and have been consulted by way of each step, in line with Deadline.
Los Angeles sports activities groups have been roped into the immigration debate within the final couple of days. The Dodgers, one in all two LA-based Main League Baseball golf equipment, mentioned they denied permission to federal brokers with the Division of Homeland Safety to realize entry to Dodger Stadium’s car parking zone.
The federal brokers as an alternative arrange store simply outdoors of the stadium at Chavez Ravine — prompting protesters to descend on the scene.
The Submit has sought remark from Disney, Bay and the Angel Metropolis FC membership.
Iger, in the meantime, has been criticized together with different media executives for bending the knee to President Donald Trump.
In December 2024, Disney, the dad or mum firm of ABC, agreed to a $16 million settlement to resolve a defamation lawsuit introduced by Trump.
The case stemmed from repeated on-air statements by ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos, who mentioned Trump had been “found liable for rape” within the E. Jean Carroll civil trial.
In reality, Trump was discovered answerable for sexual abuse and defamation, not rape. After a federal choose in Florida denied Disney’s motions to dismiss, and with discovery looming, the corporate agreed to pay $15 million to Trump’s presidential basis and museum, together with $1 million in authorized charges.
Earlier this month, Disney-owned ABC Information confronted one other controversy when veteran correspondent Terry Moran was fired following a viral submit on X.
Within the submit, Moran referred to as Trump and White Home adviser Stephen Miller “world-class haters,” claiming Miller’s “hatreds serve as his spiritual sustenance.” The submit triggered swift condemnation from the White Home, with Vice President JD Vance calling the remarks “vile.”
ABC suspended Moran inside hours, citing a violation of its editorial requirements, and shortly after introduced his departure from the community.
Earlier than President Trump was elected to a second time period, Disney discovered itself on the heart of America’s cultural battles. Detractors, particularly on the proper, have accused Disney of being too political.
In 2020, Disney publicly criticized Florida’s Parental Rights in Training Act — dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” legislation by opponents — which restricted how gender identification and sexual orientation might be mentioned in colleges.
After initially staying quiet, the corporate reversed course underneath strain from staff and the general public.
That shift drew the ire of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who moved to strip Disney of its particular governing district, Reedy Creek — a privilege the corporate had loved for greater than 50 years. The dispute dragged on for 2 years, touchdown in court docket earlier than a settlement was reached in 2024.
Conservatives have been important of Disney’s dealing with of LGBTQ themes in its programming—significantly content material geared toward kids.
The latest instance includes the animated sequence “Win or Lose,” through which Disney reportedly eliminated a transgender storyline involving a personality initially portrayed as transitioning.
Whereas the character remained within the present, key dialogue and narrative parts tied to their gender identification have been lower earlier than the sequence aired on Disney+.
The corporate said that such matters are greatest left to oldsters to handle with their kids—a transfer that was praised by many conservative viewers as an affordable and respectful strategy.
In 2022, the corporate was criticized for initially eradicating — after which restoring — a same-sex kiss in “Lightyear,” prompting worldwide bans and boycotts.
