Lagatar24 Desk
Washington, March 11: The Walt Disney Company is halting all operations in Russia as a result of the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Disney has already put a hold on all theatrical releases in Russia, but this new action goes even further.
“Content and product licencing, Disney Cruise Line activities, National Geographic magazine and tours, local content productions, and linear channels” would all be put on hold, according to the corporation.
“Some of those business activities we can and will pause immediately. Other, such as linear channels and some content and product licensing will take time given contractual complexities,” a company spokesperson said.
Disney has a number of linear channels in Russia, and its cruise ships have long docked in St. Petersburg. Similarly, Disney-branded consumer goods and National Geographic magazine have been available in Russia for a long time. Employees in Russia will continue to work for Disney.
Since the country’s invasion, Disney has joined a long list of media and entertainment companies that have decided to pause or exit the country, particularly since Russia’s legislature, the Duma, passed a law prohibiting “false news,” which could ensnare some companies with journalists in the country.
Earlier this week, Amazon, WarnerMedia Discovery and Netflix, all paused their Russia businesses.