Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek has accused his predecessor and one-time mentor, Bob Iger, of undermining his leadership during his brief tenure at the helm of the entertainment giant. In his forthcoming memoir, "Behind the Castle Walls: My Thirty Years at the Happiest Place on Earth," Chapek alleges that Iger played a deliberate role in ending his time as CEO less than three years after he succeeded Iger.

Chapek writes that he believes Iger orchestrated a campaign to reclaim his former position shortly after stepping down in 2020. He contends that Iger maintained significant influence within Disney’s leadership, acting as a confidant to executives dissatisfied with Chapek's management. According to Chapek, Iger utilized his extensive networks among Disney directors, Hollywood producers, and other key industry figures to weaken his successor’s position.

One notable episode Chapek recounts is Iger’s involvement in the company’s response to actress Scarlett Johansson’s 2021 lawsuit concerning the streaming release of Marvel’s “Black Widow.” Chapek asserts that Iger approved Disney’s aggressive public statement attacking Johansson’s suit, leaving Chapek to face much of the ensuing criticism from Hollywood.

Chapek also speculates that Iger may have stepped down as CEO on February 25, 2020, anticipating the significant disruptions that the COVID-19 pandemic would bring to Disney’s operations, including its theme parks and theaters. Chapek suggests that some government and business leaders he encountered believed Iger foresaw the pandemic’s impact. He reflects on whether he was installed as a "sacrificial lamb" who would bear the brunt of difficult decisions like layoffs while Iger protected his legacy. However, Chapek does not claim to have direct evidence to confirm this theory.

The allegations come amid contrasting public support shown by Disney’s board earlier in Chapek’s tenure. In June 2022, the board unanimously renewed his contract for three more years, citing his leadership during the pandemic, business performance, and transformation initiatives. Chapek’s memoir captures the sharp divergence between this support and his subsequent ouster.

Bob Iger, who retired again as CEO earlier this year, making way for Josh D'Amaro’s appointment, has not publicly responded to Chapek’s claims. Disney also declined to comment on the allegations detailed in the memoir, which is scheduled for release next Tuesday.