'You're prejudiced': Internet slams Disney foe Nelson Peltz after he questions 'woke' Marvel films

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Nelson Peltz, the billionaire investor waging a bitter proxy battle to secure two seats on Disney's board, has found himself at the center of a raging online controversy.

His recent comments criticizing Marvel's approach to diverse casting and questioning the need for films with predominantly Black or female leads have ignited a firestorm of backlash, as per Variety.

Peltz's remarks, perceived by many as racist and sexist, have sparked a wave of outrage across social media, with users fiercely condemning the 81-year-old activist investor for his apparent lack of understanding and appreciation for the importance of representation and inclusive storytelling in the entertainment industry.

Nelson Peltz voices doubt regarding necessity of Marvel films featuring diverse casts

During an interview with The Financial Times, Peltz, acknowledging his lack of experience in the media industry, voiced doubt regarding the necessity of Marvel films featuring diverse casts.

Peltz questioned the rationale behind productions solely featuring women or Black actors, asking, "Why do I have to have a Marvel [movie] that's all women? Not that I have anything against women, but why do I have to do that? Why can't I have Marvels that are both? Why do I need an all-Black cast?"

It's important to note that neither 'Black Panther' nor 'The Marvels' had an all-Black or all-female cast, contrary to Peltz's claims.

Disney's CEO Bob Iger acknowledged importance of prioritizing storytelling over messaging

Despite Peltz's criticism, 'Black Panther,' starring Chadwick Boseman, was a massive commercial success, grossing $1.35 billion at the worldwide box office.

The 2023 film 'The Marvels,' while underperforming at $206 million, followed the earlier success of 'Captain Marvel' starring Brie Larson, which earned $1.13 billion.

Disney's CEO, Bob Iger, recently acknowledged the importance of prioritizing storytelling over messaging, stating, "Creators lost sight of what their No. 1 objective needed to be. We have to entertain first. It's not about messages."

Notably, Peltz echoed this sentiment, saying, "People go to watch a movie or a show to be entertained. They don't go to get a message."

Internet erupts with backlash in wake of Nelson Peltz's comments about Marvel

Peltz's comments drew swift and widespread backlash on social media, with users calling out the perceived racism and sexism underlying his statements. One X user bluntly remarked, "Mr. Nelson, your racism/sexism is showing…"

One individual quipped, "Why does Nelson Peltz exist? The world is FULL of mysteries!" 

Another commenter succinctly noted, "that guy is so out of touch."

A third person expressed frustration, stating, "The old rich guys trying to force people to do things their way or else." 

 

A third user expressed bewilderment, asking, "What is this sexist, bigot even talking about? YOU don't have to have anything." Meanwhile, another commenter dismissed Peltz altogether, stating, "What no one needs is Nelson Peltz."

Adding to the chorus of disapproval, a fifth user highlighted the familiar pattern, stating, "'I don't have anything against women BUT' famous sexist words." Finally, a sixth user succinctly captured the essence of the situation, remarking, "How to say you’re prejudiced by saying you’re prejudiced."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.