Disney CEO Bob Iger responded to criticism from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and conservative groups that the company is sexualizing children, calling the claims preposterous and inaccurate. During an interview on CNBC, Iger defended Disney’s track record as a preeminent entertainer in the world and stated that the notion of Disney sexualizing children is unfounded.
DeSantis has been vocal in his criticism of Disney over the past year, accusing the company of being woke and even taking legal action against them. During a town hall event in New Hampshire, DeSantis accused Disney of inserting sexualized content into programming for children and expressed his disapproval of crossing that line.
Iger, who recently extended his time as Disney’s CEO until 2026, revealed that he has been forced to push back against DeSantis’ legal attacks on the company. He expressed concerns that the governor is retaliating because of Disney’s opposition to the so-called Don’t Say Gay bill in Florida, which aimed to restrict the teaching of sexual orientations and gender identities to young children. In response, Disney filed a lawsuit to protect their First Amendment rights and their business interests.
Addressing the issue of culture wars, Iger emphasized that he does not want Disney to be drawn into any conflicts. He acknowledged the company’s long history of producing products that they are proud of and noted their positive impact on the world.
The article offers a balanced view of the situation, presenting the perspectives of both DeSantis and Iger. It emphasizes Iger’s strong denial of the claims made by DeSantis and his determination to protect Disney’s reputation and business interests. The piece also highlights Disney’s lawsuit against the Don’t Say Gay bill, framing it as a defense of their First Amendment rights.
