Both Trump and DeSantis have come after Disney's public challenge of 'Don't Say Gay.' DeSantis signed a bill earlier this month that removes certain privileges granted to Disney decades concerning the land surrounding its Disney World theme park.īut by explaining Disney's decision not to take a stand on 'Don't Say Gay,' rather than simply not taking a public position, Morrell's strategy opened up the company to months of protest that could have been avoided. Morrell has been proven correct in recent weeks, after Disney quickly reversed its decision to stay silent amid large protests from Disney employees. Ron DeSantis, who has championed the bill, would use Disney as a punching bag if the company opposed the bill. Morrell also feared potential 2024 presidential candidates Donald Trump and Florida Gov. He feared if Disney took a public stand against 'Don't Say Gay,' the company may also have to publicly fight future human rights issues, including potential offenses from China, an important market for Disney content.
Morrell's thinking, according to people familiar with the matter, was based on setting precedent.
