DeSantis attacks Disney day after CEO speaks against 'Don't Say Gay'ORLANDO, Fla. —
A bill sitting on the governor's desk now has Disney reviewing its present and future political contributions.
It follows Gov/ Ron DeSantis' sharp criticism of remarks by Disney's CEO, saying the ‘Don't Say Gay' parental education measure could be harmful.
“In Florida, our policies are going to be based on the interests of Florida citizens, not on the musing of woke corporations,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis on Fox News Thursday criticized Disney after its CEO told shareholders he disagreed with state lawmakers passing a bill that bars teachers from addressing LGBTQ and transgender issues in grades K-3 and potentially other grades.
RELATED: Disney to pause political donations after controversy over 'Don't Say Gay' bill, CEO says
"I called Gov. DeSantis this morning to express our disappointment and concern that if legislation becomes law, it could be used to unfairly target LGBTQ kids and families." Bob Chapek, Walt Disney Company CEO said.
But he did so a day after the bill was passed, prompting critics to say the company did not stand up for its LGBTQ cast members and guests.
In rejecting the statement, the governor pointed out Disney revenues are partly dependent on the success of its parks in China where human rights abuses continue.
“You have companies, like Disney, that are going to say and criticize parents' rights and criticize the fact that we don't want transgenderism in kindergarten and first-grade classrooms,” DeSantis said. “If that's the hill that they are going to die on, then how do they possibly explain lining their pockets with their relationship from the Communist Party of China.”
“The governor is pretending like he's being tough on Disney. That's just not true!” Democratic representative from Orlando, Anna Eskamani, said.
Eskamani says don't believe the back and forth between the governor and Disney.
While she was glad to tweet this apology letter from the CEO to Disney workers saying he's "pausing all political donations in the state of Florida pending a review,” Eskamani correctly points out most of the company's political contributions which partly come from theme park profits in China go to the governor and Republican party – $6 million since 2020. Meanwhile, Disney benefits from tax breaks from the GOP-led government.................
https://www.wesh.com/article/desantis-attacks-disney/39399799
