Disney CEO Bob Iger tells investors company will ‘quiet the noise’ in ongoing culture war: report
Amber Jo Cooper and Eric Daugherty contributed to this report.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Disney CEO Bob Iger reportedly told investors Disney will “quiet the noise” in an ongoing culture war between the company and Florida government under Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican leadership.
Reuters reported that Iger’s brief statement was included in an analyst report from Needham Media Analyst Laura Martin. The Tuesday statement was part of a presentation from investors at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.
Iger also reportedly announced Tuesday that Disney will double its investment in theme parks and cruise ships over the next 10 years. Previously, Iger had said over the next 10 years, the company will invest around $17 billion in Walt Disney World.
Disney faced backlash after vowing to have Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law repealed in March 2022. The Parental Rights in Education law banned discussions and teachings about gender and sexual identity in grades K-3 grades. Left-wing activists have falsely dubbed it “Don’t Say Gay.”
In July, news surfaced that Iger will remain at his post through 2026 after a contract extension, a move that comes months after Iger replaced former CEO Bob Chapek late last year.
The extension comes as Disney battles DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board over developmental agreements made between the company and the former board that would’ve quashed state authority over the Walt Disney World area.
After becoming the company’s CEO in 2022, Iger said he planned to “quiet things down” with regard to the battle with DeSantis and Florida.
Not long after, Florida lawmakers and the governor moved forward with seizing control of the independent special district that composed Walt Disney World’s massive property near Orlando, and legal battles ensued over Florida’s efforts to assert authority.
Most recently, The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which oversees the Walt Disney World area, asked a circuit judge to grant a summary judgment in the district’s favor without a trial. A federal case, also making headlines, is similarly underway.
