Chapek Blames Iger for Corporate Sabotage in Explosive Memoir
Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek has broken his silence in a new memoir titled Behind the Castle Walls, My Thirty Years at the Happiest Place on Earth. In the book, he defends his tenure as Parks Chairman and CEO, blaming predecessor and successor Bob Iger for corporate sabotage.
Chapek, who was abruptly terminated in November 2022, argues that his pricing strategy for Disney theme parks was necessary to manage consumer demand and optimize guest satisfaction. He claims that prior leadership had left revenue opportunities on the table, citing an 18 percent compound annual profit growth during his tenure as evidence of his success.
Chapek also accuses Iger of playing a 'preconceived role' in ending his tenure as CEO, alleging that Iger privately disparaged him to Hollywood power brokers and people inside Disney. He recalls instances where Iger overstepped his boundaries, including coordinating theme park closures with California Governor Gavin Newsom without Chapek's involvement.
Chapek's memoir arrives as Disney continues its leadership transition, with Josh D'Amaro taking over as CEO in March 2026 and Iger remaining on the Board ahead of his scheduled retirement at the end of 2026. The book reopens the dispute surrounding a consequential period in Disney's corporate history.