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Bob Chapek breaks silence on power struggle with Bob Iger in memoir

2 October 2026 · Source balance: Centre

Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek has publicly discussed his contentious relationship with Bob Iger for the first time since his 2022 ouster, in interviews and his new memoir released September 29, 2026. Chapek claims he raised concerns about Iger with Disney's board on a weekly basis, alleging Iger actively worked against him and undermined his authority during the pandemic. Iger has not directly responded to most allegations but gave an interview to Harvard Business Review suggesting the 2020 succession process may not have been thorough enough. The two previously worked closely together, but their relationship fractured after Iger remained as executive chairman. Chapek was ousted after less than three years as CEO and replaced by Iger, who served until March 2026 when Josh D'Amaro took over.

Key facts

  • Bob Chapek became Disney CEO in February 2020, weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Chapek was ousted by Disney's board in November 2022, less than three years into his tenure
  • Chapek claims he raised concerns about Iger to the board on a weekly basis
  • Bob Iger returned as CEO in November 2022 and served until March 2026
  • Chapek's memoir 'Behind the Castle Walls' was released September 29, 2026
  • Iger was mentioned 121 times in Chapek's book according to Variety
  • The two have not spoken since Chapek's termination, according to recent interviews

Limits of this briefing

The available coverage comes primarily from centrist business and entertainment media outlets rather than explicit left or right-leaning sources. Iger has largely declined to directly address Chapek's specific allegations, meaning his perspective is limited to general business publication interviews rather than detailed rebuttals.

Sources

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