The following statement is from Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO, the Motion Picture Association on the passing of Richard M. Bates, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, the Walt Disney Company:
“We are profoundly saddened by the sudden passing of our friend and colleague Richard Bates. Our prayers and condolences are with his wife Rose, their sons Ricky and Chris, his extended family and the entire Walt Disney Company.
“Everyone loved Richard. Generous, supportive, charming and witty, he was widely respected and admired here in Washington and beyond, and he was a fierce advocate for the creative industries and the Walt Disney Company — which for him was much more than a job. His loss is deeply felt throughout the MPA, and it’s with heavy hearts that we think about entering the new year without him at our side.
“We’ll miss you, Richard.”
