San Francisco Frontiers - Disney chief says Florida punishing its free speech

Governor Ron DeSantis seized control of Walt Disney World's self-governing district in February, hailing the end of the "corporate kingdom" as he effectively punished the entertainment giant over its opposition to his political agenda.

"The governor got very angry about the position Disney took and seems like he's decided to retaliate against us... in effect to seek to punish a company for its exercise of a constitutional right," Iger said while answering questions at an annual shareholders' meeting.

"That just seems really wrong to me; a company has a right to freedom of speech just like individuals do."

Disney attracted the governor's ire last year after it criticized a law banning school lessons on sexual orientation.

Iger joined the streamed shareholders' meeting from the Walt Disney World theme park in Florida, showcasing new attractions as well as coming releases, including a new installment to the blockbuster "Guardians of the Galaxy" film franchise.

Disney plans to invest more than $17 billion in Disney World in the coming decade, creating more than 10,000 new jobs while attracting even more tourist money to Florida, Iger noted.

"Any action that thwarts those efforts simply to retaliate for a position the company took sounds not just anti-business, but it sounds anti-Florida."

The Disney chief likened the company's decision to speak out on political issues to times when corporations voiced opposition to injustices during the US Civil Rights Era of the 1960s or during World War II.

"I'm going to continue to be guided by a sense of decency and respect," Iger said.

"And trust our instincts that when we do weigh in, we weigh in because the issue is truly relevant to our business and to the people that work for us."

Iger said Disney is committed to stories that reflect the world and instill belief that "good triumphs over evil."

DeSantis has positioned himself as the leading Republican alternative to Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination.

A darling of the populist right, the 44-year-old DeSantis -- who has not yet entered the 2024 presidential race -- has devoted much of his time as governor to bashing Democrats for liberalism and "wokeness."

DeSantis's education initiatives and other right-wing red meat, such as a proposal to allow Floridians to carry concealed weapons without a permit or training, place him firmly in the Trump lane.

N.Flores--SFF