Little-Known Facts About Walt Disney That Will Change How You See Him

In 1947, Walt testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee during the height of the Red Scare. With cameras rolling, he named former employees he believed were communist sympathizers and blamed them for the unrest during the animators’ strike. His words contributed to the blacklisting of Hollywood figures, which ended careers and reputations.

While many in the industry quietly cooperated with HUAC, Disney’s willingness to go on record made him a prominent and controversial face of anti-communist sentiment in Hollywood. To admirers, it was an act of patriotic duty. To critics, it was a damaging betrayal of colleagues and friends.