Chapter 359

The news of Disney chairman Michael Eisner being hospitalized due to illness was highly confidential and only discovered by the media after a successful surgery.

There was a reason for this: the internal dynamics of Disney were attracting a lot of attention. Michael Eisner's successor had yet to be determined.

While hospitalized, Michael Eisner came across an article in The New York Times that enraged him:

The article stated, "Hollywood has noticed the tense situation within Disney and remarked that Michael Eisner acts secretively, having only a few close friends. In contrast, Jeffrey Katzenberg is forthright and possesses many acquaintances and connections."

Following this, an article in the Los Angeles Times praising Disney's The Lion King further unsettled Eisner.

The Lion King's success was undeniable, but the entire article lauded Jeffrey Katzenberg without a single mention of Michael Eisner.

The antagonistic publications from The New York Times and Los Angeles Times further deteriorated the already fraught relationship between Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg within Disney, leading to their complete fallout.

After leaving the hospital prematurely, Michael Eisner returned to Disney and confronted Jeffrey Katzenberg, leading to a fierce conflict, and laid all cards on the table.

"You can't be the president of Disney, and you'll leave if you don't get the position, right?" Michael Eisner asked directly.

Jeffrey Katzenberg nodded, "That's right."

"Then rest assured, the new president of Disney will be Michael Ovitz. I invited him last year to replace Frank Wells!"

Hearing this, Jeffrey Katzenberg closed his eyes and immediately turned and left. Both men knew that their decade-long friendship had come to an end.

In early July, Jeffrey Katzenberg held a press conference to announce his departure from Disney.

The next day, Disney Group announced the new president's appointment, with former CAA chairman Michael Ovitz taking the position.

In Washington D.C., Arthur visited the White House with Forrest Gump director Robert Zemeckis and stars Tom Hanks and Madchen Amick.

They accompanied President Clinton and the First Lady to watch the movie in the White House's private theater.

Forrest Gump's profound political significance emerged at a time coinciding with the congressional elections, with many politicians and candidates referencing the film to support their political platforms.

At the evening banquet at the White House, President Clinton declared in his speech, "In a time when American culture is fragmented and has lost stable values, this film Forrest Gump provides a form of social integration and imaginative redemption for American society. It is a perfect display of American values!"

During a conversation between President Clinton and the Forrest Gump crew, Hillary Clinton approached Arthur and whispered, "Forrest Gump seems to align more with the Republican political agenda!"

Arthur remained calm, "It aligns with America!"

He took a sip of champagne, "I heard Senate Majority Leader, Senator George Mitchell of Maine is retiring, right?"

"Yes, with the Republican advantage in this year's midterm elections, the possibility of Democrats losing majority status in the Senate is high," Hillary nodded helplessly.

Arthur sighed. If it weren't for Clinton's numerous scandals, it wouldn't be like this. The Democrats were likely to lose their majority not only in the Senate but also in the House this year. The President was also under investigation for the Whitewater scandal.

"Let Dianne Feinstein take the position of Senate Democratic leader. We in California will fully support her. The re-election campaign in two years is very important," Arthur said, glancing meaningfully at Hillary.

"And also, when you're dealing with things, make sure to clean up after yourselves, especially our charming President. At worst, you'll get impeached and lose the presidency, but if it affects me, it involves billions of dollars in interests!"

"Arthur, we have to ensure Jewish interests too. Your conflicts in Hollywood are too intense," Hillary explained.

"We have normal business competition, it's no big deal, but I can't accept you using my interests to appease the Jewish community," Arthur dismissed nonchalantly. "Hollywood always needs a dominant force above all media groups!"

"Rest assured, the White House will always be your ally," Hillary said, knowing well not to underestimate Arthur Smith, who had recently acquired MGM through Galaxy.

Additionally, Arthur Smith had numerous allies in California's political circles, was accumulating wealth rapidly, and maintained connections with many Congress members. He was part of America's elite!

That night, after leaving the White House, Arthur immediately took Madchen Amick back to the hotel. He didn't place much importance on the Clintons, viewing them as nothing more than puppets of various factions. The crucial players were the Congress members.

As for George Mitchell, who had been the Senate Democratic leader for several years, he would retire after this year's midterm elections.

Arthur knew about him because Michael Eisner wanted to invite him to be the CEO of Disney, understanding clearly that a politician without experience in entertainment and company management would be a poor leader.

However, Disney's board was not rash enough to agree, especially considering Michael Eisner's health issues this year and the recent death of Frank Wells.

Disney needed to appoint someone who could reassure Wall Street as president, fearing anything might happen to Eisner, leaving Disney leaderless.

Nevertheless, George Mitchell had agreed to join Disney's board early next year after his retirement, using his political resources to help Disney navigate public affairs.

Arthur was well aware of America's revolving door politics.

Galaxy maintained in-depth cooperative relationships with several law and accounting firms, many of which employed former politicians.

"Arthur, Forrest Gump is set to release in Europe this month. I'm excited," Madchen Amick said, lying in Arthur's arms with excitement on her face.

Arthur smiled, stroking the girl's 34C, "This represents the American spirit.

After about two months in theaters, North American box office earnings have already reached 200 million. By the end of its run, breaking 300 million won't be a problem!"

"Hmm," Madchen Amick responded, kissing Arthur's chest. Forrest Gump had greatly increased her fame and brought her immense joy.

Arthur then helped Madchen Amick onto his lap...

*****

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