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Disney Unlikely To Keep Shooting In Georgia If Abortion Law Takes Effect

Disney Unlikely To Keep Shooting In Georgia If Abortion Law Takes Effect

The company's co chief executive said it would be 'very difficult' to keep working in the state

Jake Massey

Jake Massey

Disney has announced that it is unlikely to carry on shooting in Georgia, USA, should controversial new abortion laws take effect.

Earlier this month the state's Republican governor, Brian Kemp, signed the 'heartbeat bill', which bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy - at which point many women don't even know they're pregnant.

The law is due to come into effect next January but has already been met with stiff opposition and is likely to be challenged in the courts.

Brian Kemp signed the controversial bill earlier this month.
PA

Now, Disney co chief executive, Bob Iger, has said it would be 'very difficult' for the company to carry on filming in the state if the law is enacted.

Speaking to Reuters, he said: "I think if it becomes law I think it will be very difficult to do so (shoot there), I rather doubt we will.

"I think many people who work for us will not want to work there, and we will have to heed their wishes in that regard. Right now we are watching it very carefully.

"If it becomes law, I don't see how it's practical for us to continue to shoot there."

Georgia has until this point proven to be a popular shooting location due to the tax breaks afforded to film productions in the state, with blockbusters such as Avengers: Endgame and Black Panther shooting there.


However, Netflix also threatened to boycott the state earlier this week, should the abortion law come into effect.

In a statement, the company's chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, said: "We have many women working on productions in Georgia, whose rights, along with millions of others, will be severely restricted by this law.

"Given the legislation has not yet been implemented, we'll continue to film there, while also supporting partners and artists who choose not to.

"Should it ever come into effect, we'd rethink our entire investment in Georgia."


In March, an open letter signed by 50 actors - including Ben Stiller, Amy Schumer and Alec Baldwin - was written to the Georgian governor, pleading with him to reconsider the bill or risk the economic damage that would come with entertainment industry's withdrawal from the state.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: US News, US Entertainment, Politics