At today's Walt Disney Company shareholders meeting question and answer session, Disney CEO Bob Iger was asked about the situation regarding the ongoing battle with the state of Florida, particularly Governor Ron DeSantis.
In his response, Bob described the company's significant contribution to the state of Florida, and he was clear that he views the position of Ron DeSantis as "retaliating against Disney" for its opposition to the Parental Right Bill. And he added that the Governor's response "seems really wrong to me."
In regards to the handling of the issue by then-CEO Bob Chapek, Iger commented that, "A company has a right to freedom of speech."
He continued by discussing the contribution that Disney makes to the state of Florida, by directly employing 75,000, being the largest tax payer in Florida, attracting 50 million visitors each year, and bringing 8 million of them from outside the US.
Today's comments by Iger are the first public statement that he has made regarding the continuing escalation of Disney vs. Florida, which shows no signs of slowing.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis orders an investigation into Reedy Creek Improvement District as the state appears to have been outmaneuvered by Disney
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