Disney taking steps to ‘pause’ all business in Russia

Last week, the company paused the theatrical release of films in Russia.

Disney taking steps to ‘pause’ all business in Russia (Yui Mok/PA)

By Ellie Iorizzo, PA Senior Entertainment Reporter

March 10 2022 08:47 PM

The Walt Disney Company has announced it is taking steps to “pause all other businesses in Russia” following the invasion of Ukraine.

It comes one week after the company delayed the theatrical release of its films in Russia in response to the ongoing crisis.

In a statement, Disney said: “Given the unrelenting assault on Ukraine and the escalating humanitarian crisis, we are taking steps to pause all other businesses in Russia.

We are taking steps to pause all other businesses in Russia. The Walt Disney Company

“This includes content and product licensing, Disney Cruise Line activities, National Geographic magazine and tours, local content productions and linear channels.

“Some of those business 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 said it “remains committed” to its “dedicated colleagues in Russia who will remain employed”.

The company also said it would work with its NGO partners to provide “urgent aide and other much-needed assistance to refugees”.

Disney has become the latest media company to pull out of doing business in Russia, following Warner Music Group which suspended all of its operations in the country on Thursday.