Bob Iger Dragged for Complete Lack of Self-Awareness in SAG-AFTRA Strike Opinion

Disney CEO Bob Iger made a lot of statements during his recent interview on CNBC Squawk Box with David Faber. However, one particular issue is sending waves of face-palms throughout social media. The iconic businessman is now at the mercy of online critics and celebrities who have hilariously started calling him out for his complete lack of self-awareness when giving his opinion on the SAG-AFTRA strike demands. Are you looking for the most brutal takedown of the week? Just take a look down below!

Bob Iger Is a Rich Man

We don’t think anyone needs to be told just how rich Bob Iger is, but it does set the scene for the chaos to come. The CEO is expected to make up to $27 million annually. He has also just extended his contract for a further two years into 2026, giving him the potential to earn quite a bit more. He is estimated to be worth a total of $690 million.

SAG-AFTRA, the actors union, is expected to join WAG and go on strike at any moment as they have been unable to reach a resolution with studios on current contract negotiations. According to TIME, the union is trying to increase minimum pay rates, streaming residuals, and working conditions while addressing artificial intelligence’s growing presence in the entertainment industry. This would be the first time that the union has gone on strike in over 60 years.

Iger Comments on Strikes

During his interview, Iger called the demands of SAG-AFTRA “unrealistic” and “disturbing.” He cites the idea that studios are still recovering from the issues brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and says now is the worst time to cause further disruptions. Iger told Variety it is important to negotiate a good deal with writers and actors, but their expectations are not just realistic. This is where the chaos starts.

Social Media Destroys Bob Iger Over SAG-AFTRA Comments

Twitter and other outlets began to roast the Disney CEO for his ridiculously out-of-touch comments. They stress that a man who owns a yacht worth millions of dollars should not be making these statements. Actor Anson Mount said Iger is completely lacking in self-awareness.

This from a man who earns $27M annually, not including bonuses (which almost double that figure) and stock options. The lack of self awareness in this business never ceases to amaze me. https://t.co/Z09PEwqzte

— Anson Mount 🖖 (@ansonmount) July 13, 2023

One user pointed out the irony of Bob Iger making these comments in Sun Valley, Idaho. This location is often dubbed “billionaire summer camp” because it is a prime spot for rich people to visit. It refers to many of the attendees being billionaires, often staying in luxurious accommodations and participating in exclusive activities or arriving in private jets.

He's not doing this interview in Sun Valley, Idaho, at what's often called "billionaire summer camp" is he?

Haha no way that would be so silly of him. https://t.co/AQUVaMGP5O

— Read Let This Radicalize You (@JoshuaPHilll) July 13, 2023

Another stressed that it is actually Iger that is “unrealistic.” This is a fair criticism, as he also just renovated his $33 million mansion while laying off many ESPN employees.

Bob Iger, a man who is worth several hundred million dollars and runs a corporation that bills itself as a fantasy kingdom, is now lecturing writers and actors about the importance of realism. https://t.co/qsBrHVkcHA

— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) July 13, 2023

Another is sad as their entire opinion of Iger fell apart after years of thinking he supported creators. As Disney’s head, Iger is often looked up to as a larger-than-life hero.

This is very disappointing. Of all the CEOs, I thought Iger would be the "adult in the room."

I worked for Disney for 13 years, most under Iger's tenure. I've met him. I believed he understood and supported creators.

I was wrong. This is the saddest day of the strike, for me. https://t.co/FpwthaYDfc

— Shawna Benson (@shawnabenson) July 13, 2023

This isn’t the only shocking revelation made by Iger. In the same interview, he lamented the future of television and admitted that Disney is considering selling ABC and granting partial ownership of ESPN to a worthwhile business partnership as they move it to a direct-to-consumer model.

Disney CEO Bob Iger’s responses to the demands of creatives in Hollywood are worthy of criticism in the eyes of many, particularly regarding his wealth. They are not afraid to call him out as he prioritizes profits and his own wealth while failing to hear the concerns of creatives within the industry.