Disney’s Former CEO Bob Chapek Blasts Bob Iger Over His Disney Firing

Bob Chapek, who served as Disney‘s CEO from 2020 to 2022, has reportedly blamed Bob Iger for his ouster from the company in his new memoir. Notably, Iger, who was his predecessor, handpicked him for the position. After Chapek’s exit, Iger resumed CEO duties.

Bob Chapek uses new memoir to revisit his Disney ouster and Bob Iger

Chapek’s new memoir, Behind the Castle Walls: My Thirty Years at the Happiest Place on Earth, will come out through Gallery Books on September 29, 2026. The New York Times, which has obtained a copy of the 254-page book, reports that Chapek has made major claims about his firing, writing that Iger was responsible for it.

“My abrupt dismissal hurt my reputation, leaving those close to me, outsiders, and some within the kingdom trying to figure out what I did wrong,” the New York Times shared, quoting Chapek’s book. “The answer, again, is nothing.” According to the outlet, Chapek hopes to place himself in a more positive light in Disney’s history. The outlet further states that they had reached out to Iger’s representatives for comment.

Interestingly, back in 2022, Chapek’s dismissal came after he had signed a three-year contract extension to hold the position of CEO. CNBC, citing Disney insiders, reported at the time that the company fired Chapek a day after Iger formally received the request to become the CEO again. Additionally, in his book, Chapek says Iger had “an intentional and preconceived role in abruptly ending my ride as Disney CEO.” Notably, after Chapek became CEO, Iger didn’t leave Disney, serving as executive chairman for two years and had significant oversight on the creative side of the business.

Per the New York Times, Chapek makes claims that he had been told by “several high-ranking people both in government and private business that, in their opinions, the real reason he [Iger] left the company so abruptly was his anticipation of the arrival of COVID.” However, he didn’t provide any evidence to support this.

Iger remained as CEO of The Walt Disney Company until 2026, when he was replaced by Josh D’Amaro.

Source: Comingsoon.net