A shocking viral video recently alleged that Disney cared more about the Chinese government than devoted fans, but is it true?

There have been all sorts of strange rumors that have made their way across the Disney fandom over the years. In fact, some of these have become widespread news that had fans genuinely concerned enough that we at Disney Fanatic even stepped in to fact-check them. In the past, there have been rumors about Walt Disney World Resort’s Cinderella Castle being removed, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park permanently closing, and even Disney removing seatbelts from the Tower of Terror.

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What is the Source of the Rumor?

Last week, a video was published on Instagram that alleged that “Disneyland cares more about the Chinese government than you!”

The video went on to explain that the Disney park had gone above and beyond to clean up for the arrival of President Xi Jinping—who visited the United States for the first time in six years last week—and even went so far as to replace the American flag that flies proudly in the Disney park with a Chinese one.

Here’s the video below.

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A post shared by Mouse Trap News (@mousetrapnews)

However, as astute fans will note, the video is, in fact, from the popular satire site Mouse Trap News, which is well known for creating provocative videos that can both ruffle the feathers of some fans and also give others a good laugh.

Unfortunately, many who weren’t familiar with the platform took the video at face value and were incredibly upset by the news. One commented, “🖕🏿🖕🏿 china and their flag and if Disneyland doing that 🖕🏿🖕🏿🖕🏿 Disneyland, too.”

Another one added, “Bet they wouldn’t fly an American flag or take there flag down if our president visited China.”

One other user even went so far as to label Disney: “Disney Scum.”

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What is the History Between Disney and the Chinese Government (CCP)?

But why are people so quick to believe this possibility? For many, it would seem ludicrous, given that the Walt Disney Company remains an American company and has also been voted by fans as one of the most patriotic companies in the United States.

However, some Disney fans would also know that the company, particularly current Disney CEO Bob Iger, has developed a good connection with China and its government to provide for the construction of Shanghai Disneyland. Even more notable, with Bob Iger’s return after former Disney CEO Bob Chapek was ousted from his position,  Disney released its first movies in China after years of tighter restrictions earlier this year (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania).

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The relationship is so solid that some even demanded that an audit be run to create more transparency when it comes to Disney’s dealings with the Chinese Communist Party. However, this audit was voted down by Disney shareholders.

Disney has parks all over the world, and it stands to reason that the company would have to build and maintain good relationships with the governments of each of these countries, be that France (Disneyland Paris), Japan (Tokyo Disneyland), and in this case, China (Shanghai Disneyland).

However, it is incredibly unlikely that a situation like this would ever come to pass, especially on US soil. So, fans can rest assured that this, as with many other rumors that have made their way across the fandom, is just that: a rumor.