Bob Iger says Ron DeSantis is retaliating against Disney and that a company has a right to freedom of speech

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Bob Iger

Posted: Monday April 3, 2023 1:51pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

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.

Bob Iger at Walt Disney World

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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JohnDFeb 11, 2026

The Florida Senate Ethics and Elections Committee met this morning to formally confirm Ravenscroft, Woods, and other Florida nominees in about one minute. The confirmations go to the floor of the Florida Senate next. See pp. 2, 75-78 of Meeting Packet: https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/DownloadMeetingDocument/8229 Video here: https://www.flsenate.gov/media/VideoPlayer/6145

EeyoreFan#24Jan 23, 2026

Back to just maintaining (insert dramatic pause)……“roads and basic infrastructure.”

lazyboy97oJan 21, 2026

Just because they’re currently rubber stamping doesn’t make it any less corrupt.

MisterPenguinJan 21, 2026

Well, there you go. A denial by the Board. Can we have our perks back? -Firefighters et. al No. -Board.

DranthJan 21, 2026

WHAT? You mean he wasn't being honest? How can I go on knowing he was full of it?

Chi84Jan 21, 2026

Good luck with that.

DranthJan 21, 2026

Personally I am still waiting for Universals special district to have the Governor appoint members instead of them all being Universal employees. Wouldn't want him to be a hypocrite for going against everything he said about RCID right before the new one for Uni was approved. I'm sure he has just been busy and he will call a special session and get it done any day now!

castlecake2.0Jan 21, 2026

I read it and have also attended several district meetings. The original batch he chose were all trying to prove a point while the newer appointees are more focused on actual gouvernement business

Disstevefan1Jan 21, 2026

The worst thing I remember was CFTOD took away perks employees had when it was RCID.

MR.DisJan 21, 2026

Could some one please remind me of any request that Disney has made that the board has denied, as far as I know there has not been one request denied. So no real effect on how WDW has been run since the change. The only pain Disney has had in the past several years if the constant over evaluations by County Assessor office of WDW properties. From what I have read, every single challenge Disney has made has been upheld. Yet the Assessor office continues with their crusade to make Disney pay more. Just to remind everyone Disney is already the single biggest tax payer in the county.

Chi84Jan 21, 2026

It’s not because there’s no reason for him to pretend to hate Disney now.

wdw71fanJan 21, 2026

I'm guessing you didn't read the entire article. Two brand new Desantis appointees are on the board now. Business as usual.

castlecake2.0Jan 21, 2026

Good riddance, now hopefully the district can get back to actually doing their job

DCBakerJan 21, 2026

According to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District website, Brian Aungst Jr. and Bridget Ziegler are no longer listed as current members of the Board of Supervisors. Their spots have been filled by Matt Ravenscroft and David Woods, who were recently appointed by Governor DeSantis.