Despite a months-long flap over Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday denied the state plans to “U-turn” in its crackdown on Disney.
The NY Post writes, Several months after revocation of Disney’s special tax status, DeSantis hit back at the Financial Times’ report that lawmakers were crafting terms to allow Disney to maintain autonomy over Reedy Creek Improvement District.
As reported by the Financial Times, Bob Iger’s return as Disney CEO last month is expected to pave the way for compromise after the Mouse House’s previous boss, Bob Chapek, publicly condemned the law, infuriating Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Based on sources who have been briefed on the plan, the revised deal would “largely maintain the arrangement with a few modifications.”
However, Jeremy Redfern, DeSantis’ deputy press secretary, denied the report, and said the governor “does not make U-turns.”
Additionally, he affirmed that Florida taxpayers would not be hit by Disney’s debts – raising doubts about the Mouse House’s ability to regain its former special tax status.
This all comes after Iger remarked during a town hall event with employees that he desires to advance social causes in a more subdued fashion.
He also expressed regret that Disney engaged in the high-profile fight against Gov. DeSantis, which resulted in the state legislature stripping the company of its special administrative status.
Disney’s new CEO, Bob Chapek is likely hoping that the company will receive its special tax status back by backtracking on his predecessor’s war with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis,. However, DeSantis is not one to give in or make U-turns, and he issued a crushing blow to Disney in response. He made it clear that there would be no special treatment for Disney, and that the company had overstepped its bounds by getting involved in the state’s politics. As a result, Disney is now facing the consequences of its actions, and it will have to learn to operate without its special tax status. This is a strong move by DeSantis, and it sends a clear message that businesses need to stay out of politics if they want to maintain a good relationship with the state of Florida.
