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The comedian rebuked the Florida governor for stripping Disney World of its special status due to the company condemning the state's "don't say gay" law.
John Oliver didn't hold back on Sunday's episode of Last Week Tonight when it came to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his attacks against Disney.
The GOP governor signed a bill last month that stripped Disney World of its special self-governing status in response to the company speaking out against that state's "don't say gay" law.
After the bill was signed by DeSantis, the Walt Disney Co. was quick to release a statement vowing to help repeal the contentious law.
The special status Disney World held was established in 1967 and had let Disney economically boost central Florida while allowing the company millions in tax breaks and savings on annual fees, according to Vanity Fair.
"Yeah, it's true: In the part of central Florida where Disney World is, the company technically functions as a self-contained government, providing essential services -- except, crucially, a morgue," Oliver joked. "Why? Because no one -- look at me -- no one has ever died at Disney, and no one will ever die at Disney. Do you hear me? There is no fucking morgue at Disney. Nod if you understand me."
Oliver told viewers that DeSantis may not have completely thought through his plan since repealing the district's status could be in violation of Florida's state constitution. It could also force surrounding counties to take on the debt -- which could be as much as $1 billion.
In a clip on the show, DeSantis said, "Don't worry, we have everything thought out. Don't let anyone tell you that somehow Disney's going to get a tax cut out of this. They're going to pay more taxes as a result of it."
The HBO host wasn't too assured.
"There is just nothing more immediately off-putting than someone starting a sentence with 'don't worry,'" he said. "It sounds like a frat boy trying to reason with the cops after a noise complaint: 'Don't worry, man. We're gonna take care of all of that. We got everything thought out. You guys want a beer or something? You wanna hang out?'"
Oliver added that a spokesperson with the governor's office admitted to not having a written plan on the dissolution.
He also made sure to note that he believes Disney should actually pay more taxes. It's just a bit of a different situation with DeSantis.
"And look, do I think it's bad if Disney pays more taxes? No, I don't," Oliver said. "That would be a good thing. I don't love that it might happen not through meaningful tax reform but on the whim of one right-wing dipshit who's scared of gay people and doesn't understand the First Amendment. But hey: Ends, means, what are you gonna do?"
Watch Oliver's takedown below.
