No, Disney is not replacing American flags with pride flags; claim is satire | Fact check

Nate Trela, USA TODAY
·3 min read
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The claim: Disney World will replace all its US flags with pride flags in June

A May 22 Instagram video (direct link, archive link) shows several clips of American flags flying in Disney World.

“Disney World is replacing all American flags with the pride flag," says a narrator in the video. "This is part of the ongoing battle with Gov. DeSantis."

The narrator explains this change will occur in June in recognition of Pride Month.

Some commenters on the post were infuriated by the purported action.

“If they do I won’t take my family to any Disney resort. Didn’t they see what happened to Bud light?” one commenter posted.

Another commenter wrote, “To take down our flag is a disgrace. I’ll never put another penny into this corporation.

The Instagram video was liked more than 10,000 times in four days.

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Our rating: Satire

The post is clearly marked as satire and comes from an account that labels itself as satirical. The account is associated with a website that says it only posts fabricated stories about Disney.

Disney has made no announcements about flag changes

The post was shared by the Instagram account Mouse Trap News, which is a satirical page. The post features the hashtag #fakedisneynews and the account describes itself in its bio as "Real Disney News That is 100% Fake” and “The Onion of Disney News,” referring to the pioneering satirical publication.

The video, which was also shared on TikTok, directs social media users to Mouse Trap News’ website, where a story offering more details is posted. Every article there is labeled “totally made-up” in a blurb that urges readers to follow the site on social media. The “About” page for the site also says it is satire.

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USA TODAY reached out to Disney but did not immediately hear back. The company has not announced any changes to its flags, and the calendar for its daily "Flag Retreat" ceremony for the American flag at Disney World is unchanged.

The post references the ongoing feud between Disney and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, which is frequently the focus of Mouse Trap News. USA TODAY previously covered the confusion stemming from a satirical piece from the website that claimed the National Guard was blocking entrances to Disney World.

Corporate brands have been coming under pressure in recent weeks for openly embracing the LGBTQ+ community, particularly with Pride Month about to begin in June. The financial pressure has been dubbed “Bud Lighting," as some consumers aim to fight so-called rainbow capitalism with boycotts similar to what Bud Light faced after partnering with a transgender influencer.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: No, Disney is not replacing US flags with pride flags | Fact check