The Walt Disney Company is working to pause all businesses in Russia following the country’s ‘unprovoked invasion of Ukraine’, a spokesperson said Thursday.
Last week, the entertainment and media conglomerate announced plans to halt the release of new movies in Russia, but now the company is taking additional steps to shut down the rest of its operations in the country, IANS reported.
Disney has several linear channels and consumer products brands across Russia, as well as a cruise port located in St.Petersburg.
“Given the unrelenting assault on Ukraine and the escalating humanitarian crises, we are taking steps to pause all other businesses in Russia. This includes content and product licensing, Disney Cruise Line activities, National Geographic magazine and tours, local content productions, and linear channels,” the Disney spokesperson said.
“Some of those businesses activities we can and will pause immediately. Others — such as linear channels and some content and product licensing – will take time given contractual complexities.”
Disney’s statement noted staff based in Russia will continue to be employed.
“Even as we pause these businesses, we remain committed to our dedicated colleagues in Russia, who will remain employed. And we continue to work with our NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other much-needed assistance to refugees,” the statement continued.
Russia has faced swift economic blowback to its decision to wage war on Ukraine.
In response to the country’s full-scale invasion, several entertainment companies, including Amazon, Netflix, and WarnerMedia, have decided to pause or entirely withdraw businesses in Russia, while all of the major studios have announced they will stop premiering their films in the country.
News body NBDA seeks journalistic exemption under digital data rules
‘Ramayana’ producer Malhotra likens film to ‘Avatar’, ‘LOTR’, ‘Odyssey’
Bombay HC protects ‘Ramayana’ from piracy
CEO Jassy says Prime Video gains profit; bullish on ad momentum
JioStar Q2 revenue up 10.1% to Rs 6,806cr. despite weak ad environ
Google brings AI Mode ads to India, 9 other markets
Tata Play appoints Abhishek Pathak as Chief Content Officer
Bhuvan Bam announces ‘Dhindora’ S2 release date
Apple TV announces new series ‘Lenni’ starring Toni Collette
‘The Traitors Telugu’ heads into finale with six players
JD Majethia explores AI storytelling with ‘Tulsi Hai Na’ 


