(Boursier.com) — Backtracking for waltz disney. The amusement park giant has decided to abandon plans to relocate thousands of California-based employees to the state of Florida due to the ongoing row between the group’s management and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis . According to an internal memo cited by several US media, Josh D’Amaro, president of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, told employees that the company, which was to build a new campus in the Lake Nona area of Orlando, had abandoned this giant project.
“Given the significant changes that have occurred since this project was announced, including new management and changing business conditions, we have decided not to proceed with the construction of the campus,” said writes J.D’Amaro. “It was not an easy decision to make, but I think it’s the right one,” he continued. “As a result, we will no longer be asking our employees to relocate. For those who have already moved, we will speak to you individually about your situation, including the possibility of relocating.” This campus project, whose cost was estimated at nearly a billion dollars, was to accommodate 2,000 employees.
The controversy between the two sides began in 2022 when Disney took a stand against DeSantis-backed legislation limiting gender discussion in public schools. The governor, a likely candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, hit back harshly by unveiling a series of measures against the entertainment group. The company has since sued and its boss, Bob Iger, has accused state officials of being anti-business and anti-free speech.
Walt Disney has also announced the closure of its luxury hotel on the theme of Star Wars in Orlando in September, less than two years after its opening, while the group is engaged in a vast cost reduction plan which notably provides for the loss of 7,000 jobs.
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