(NewsGlobal.com)- Disney CEO Bob Iger who recently made a comeback as the company’s chief executive after retiring in 2021, said that he feels “sorry” for the battle Disney got into with Florida lawmakers over gender discussions in elementary school classrooms, according to The Epoch Times.
Disney confronted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis after he signed the Parental Rights in Education bill that left-wing advocates dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The Florida law prohibits teachers from discussing gender or orientation with their students in kindergarten through third grade.
The recent apology is at odds with Iger’s comments earlier this year when he said that the bill will be harmful to children.
“It seemed potentially harmful to kids,” Iger said during an interview with CNN, adding that the company needs to speak out even if it puts the business at risk. Eight months later, however, Iger seems to be having second thoughts.
In a series of video clips shared by journalist Christopher Rufo, Iger was speaking at a town hall and fielded questions regarding the company’s involvement in the political culture war.
The CEO said that while Disney will still support the LGBT community, it needs to strike a “delicate balance” between listening and talking to its audience.
“It’s important to have respect for the people you are serving,” he said.
Another question was about DeSantis’ move to strip Disney of its special tax privileges that allow it to govern itself. Losing the privilege reportedly means that Disney will no longer be able to control its own policing, infrastructure, and zoning.
Iger said that he would have to follow up on that matter, but that he has seen the news, adding that it occurred after he had already left.
Iger was the CEO of Disney from 2005 to 2020 when the reigns were given over to Bob Chapek. Chapek led the company through the pandemic, shutting down the resorts, theme parks, movie theaters, and live sports events. His 11-month tenure is marked by a strained relationship with the Florida government, despite being allowed to open its parks as early as July 2020, while California’s parks were mandated to remain closed.
