Disney president Robert Iger wrote a letter on July 25 to Rep. Edward Markey, chairman of the House Telecommunications & Internet Subcommittee, regarding smoking in Disney’s films. Here is an excerpt:
“We discourage depictions of cigarette smoking in Disney, Touchstone and Miramax films. In particular, we expect depictions of cigarette smoking in future Disney branded films will be non-existent.”
As a result, Iger also said that Disney “will place an anti-smoking PSA [Public Service An-nouncement] on DVD’s of any future film that does depict smoking. In addition, we will work with theater owners to encourage the exhibition of an anti-smoking PSA before the theatrical exhibition of any such film.”
The Catholic League took note of this development, especially as Disney owns ABC, the network that airs the anti-Catholic show “The View.” And under its Miramax label in the past, Disney has given us such anti-Catholic movies as “Priest,” “Dogma,” “Butcher Boy,” “40 Days and 40 Nights,” “The Magdalene Sisters” and “Black Christmas.”
Catholic League president Bill Donohue said that it would be refreshing if Iger would issue a similar letter, only this time targeting anti-Catholicism. Donohue even penned a model for him:
“We discourage depictions of Catholic bashing in Disney, Touchstone and Miramax films. In particular, we expect depictions of Catholic bashing in future Disney branded films will be non-existent. We will place an anti-Catholic bashing PSA on DVD’s of any future film that does depict Catholic bashing. In addition, we will work with theater owners to encourage the exhibition of an anti-Catholic bashing PSA before the theatrical exhibition of any such film.”
Donohue said that if Iger accedes to his request, there will be no fee for his service.
