Chapter 231 Lobbying Congress, Attacking the Black Tax Bill
Nicola turned to look at McCartney and Uriah, who were the only ones left in the dock, and asked: "Defendant, for David What do you have to say about the director’s accusation?”
“Your Honor, what I want to refute is that the acquisition of Fuchs Film Company by Disney was approved by the regulatory authorities. Corporate income tax, capital gains tax and other taxes have been paid one by one. There is absolutely nothing fishy!”
As a member of the legal department of Fox Film Company, Uriah naturally knows about this acquisition. There were some circumstances, but what made him uneasy was that he didn't know how much information the Western Suburbs Bureau had about this acquisition.
"Really? Are you sure?"
"I'm sure!"
Although Uriah answered resolutely, she was still extremely nervous at this time.
Nicola and David on the stage looked at each other. After receiving a slight nod from David, she announced: "The acquisition of Fuchs Film Company involves a wide range of things. Further verification is needed and the trial will be held at another date. Today’s trial is over!”
McCarney and Uriah finally breathed a sigh of relief. It seems that the Western Suburbs Branch has only found out about this case! It is just an acquisition, and there is no actual evidence yet.
As long as we don’t launch a direct attack now, with the resources and connections of Fuchs Film Company and Disney, I believe we can still handle it properly.
After the court hearing dispersed, David exchanged greetings with João, Felton and other people in the IRS system as usual, and then walked out of the city bureau gate.
Reporters from all walks of life, who had been hungry and thirsty for a long time, immediately gathered around with microphones in hand.
David pressed his hands down to signal everyone to quiet down, and then said: "Today's court hearing is over. Due to the team handling of Zhuli, Will, Cameron... these big names It’s inappropriate. There is indeed a problem of omission of tax declaration, but now that our Xijiao Branch has reached a settlement with them, and they are willing to pay the last late payment fee, this matter can be regarded as a new chapter!”
David's words not only clarified the legality of his actions at the Oscars, but also gave these big names a step down. He did not point out in public that they were suspected of tax evasion, but instead passed the blame to their team.
The media had already received some rumors about the trial scene, so this result was not very surprising now, but then a reporter from the Los Angeles Times asked: "Director David, it is said that at the trial scene, A new case has been involved, the acquisition of Fuchs Film Company in 2019. Is this the case? ”
As the reporter asked the question, the scene became quiet, and everyone pricked up their ears to listen.
Now that things have happened, anyone with a discerning eye can see that David brought these big names back for trial just because he wanted to involve the eight major movies to deal with them.
And now this so-called acquisition of Fuchs Film Company may be the next step of the Western Suburbs Branch's offensive.
But this is not the most important thing. The most important thing is that Fuchs Film Company was acquired by the industry giant Disney. This is the focus of most attention of everyone at the scene.
"There is such a thing, but this matter is still in the investigation stage. I will announce it as soon as there is any progress..."
While David was being interviewed, at the same time, at Fuchs Film Company, Hauner was also making urgent arrangements.
"Jacob, Jackson, go to Disneyland immediately and ask the department members who were responsible for the acquisition at the time to make a confession or something. Don't let the people from the Western Suburbs Bureau come to you and ask what they have to say. Come on."
"Steinbeck, go find the people in the regulatory approval department at that time and ask them not to talk nonsense. In addition, Berg, you can find a way to meet with McCartney and try to get him to work with our company. Make a cut..."
While Hauner was still making a series of arrangements, his secretary opened the door and walked in and said: "Mr. Hauner, there is a call from Disney. Yes, they have held a meeting at the headquarters and asked you to come and attend.”
“Just do what I say and don’t make any mistakes.”
After saying these words, Hauner stood up quickly, and then, accompanied by the driver, headed towards the Disney Film Company.
The two companies are not far away, only ten minutes away. Hauner arrived at the Disney Film Company building and was then taken to Okanji's office.
After 20 minutes of discussion, the two of them walked out, walked through the corridor to the door of a conference room, pushed the door open one after the other and walked in.
At this moment, people from the other six major film companies have gathered here.
After sitting down, Okanji took the lead in speaking: "Everyone must already know the results of the trial. What do you think?"
The people from the other six major film companies looked at each other. Today's court hearing can be regarded as the first shot of the Western Suburbs Branch in the war with their Hollywood.
But in fact, strictly speaking, it is only a declaration of war against Fuchs and Disney, so the six major film companies are not that nervous.
Okanji seemed to have seen what everyone was thinking, and said with a serious face: "Don't think that he is only here for Fuchs Company and us now, but how can the eggs be destroyed when the nest is overturned? If we The two companies have been punished, do you think you can survive alone?”
Hearing this, the six major film companies, which were originally relatively relaxed, became serious, because what Okanji said was indeed right.
David and his Western Suburbs Bureau are obviously targeting the entire Hollywood, and if Disney, the big brother, is also punished, there is no way they can escape.
Thinking of this, the representative from Midea spoke up: "Actually, I think the most important thing now is whether Disney can handle the acquisition of Fuchs Film Company well. If it is torn apart by him, then he will be unable to do anything to us for a while."
"People from our two major companies are already working on it, but you also know that this David has been working for more than ten or twenty years. Everything can be investigated so carefully, and this transaction was only 2 or 3 years ago, so there is no guarantee that nothing will be discovered.”
If we can guarantee that this acquisition will not be found to be fishy, Then there is no need for Okanji to summon the seven major film companies to discuss.
"Then this is a bit troublesome..."
Everyone from the major TV companies frowned, but not long after, representatives from Paramount Pictures Chin said: "I think the best way at present is to use other incidents to divert the Western Suburbs Bureau from pursuing us fiercely."
"Haha, Raymond, last time we followed what you said, funding human rights organizations and instigating them to fight against the Western Suburbs Bureau. What happened? We were beaten to pieces by David. Yes, even their president had to hold a press conference to apologize. What's the use of doing this now?"
The representative of Paramount Pictures didn't say it was okay, but he immediately got excited when he said it. This aroused the anger of many people present.
Because it was him who instigated human rights organizations to deal with the Western Suburbs Bureau last time. Not only did this not work at all, but it actually cost each of them millions of dollars. It was like a loss to grandma. Gone home.
The representative of Paramount Pictures, known as Raymond, did not flinch. He still said: "What happened to the human rights organization was indeed unexpected. No one expected that David would be like this." He didn't play his cards according to the routine and forcibly convicted them, but now that I'm telling him, he won't be able to deal with it that easily!"
After hearing this, everyone became interested, and Okanji even asked. : "Raymond, what do you want to say?"
"It's very simple. The reason why David behaves so brutally and domineeringly is mainly because of the Black Tax Act. This act makes him feel like he is holding a sword in his hand, and he can kill anyone he wants with open arms. Damn it, if we can attack the door bill, then I think the IRS will definitely be nervous, and it will also make David divert his attention!"
As soon as these words came out, people from major companies on the scene were shocked! Everyone was stunned, and Okanji asked after a while: "What kind of attack law?"
"For example, lobby Congress and ask them to repeal this bill!"
After saying that, everyone at the scene showed dumbfounded expressions, but soon, the representative of Rice Cake Beauty who reacted quickly reprimanded: "Raymond, I think you are fucking crazy. You know that the IRS wants to be able to How much effort did it take to get this bill passed? If you dare to do this, let alone the Western Suburbs Bureau, I am afraid that even the Internal Revenue Service in Washington will have to deal with it personally!”
“This bill is currently in effect! It is the lifeblood of the IRS. If you dare to introduce this bill, we cannot afford the consequences. You are really crazy Raymond!”
"We have no problem with you Paramount seeking death, just don't drag us into the water!"
"..."
Almost every major film company has begun to abuse Raymond. As they say, the black tax bill was passed by Congress after a lot of effort by the IRS. It is currently almost the most important bill of the IRS.
If they dare to attack this bill, they will not only be attacked by the Western Suburbs Branch, but they may also face the siege of the entire IRS system!
"Don't worry, everyone. When I say repealing this bill, I don't really mean repealing it. I just want to use this to divert the attention of the IRS and put a little pressure on them, so that the Western Suburbs Branch will stop staring at us."
"Of course, this matter is indeed very dangerous for our seven major film companies, but for Disney Pictures led by Mr. Okanji, it is nothing."
People from major film companies have turned their attention to Okanji.
Raymond’s words seemed to remind them of one thing, and that was the ‘Mickey Mouse Act’.
Among the eight major film companies, only Disney has the ability to influence Congress and even influence the revision of the bill.
For example, the eye-catching Mickey Mouse Act is an example.
Let the major film companies lobby Congress to take action on the black tax bill. Naturally, they would not dare or have the ability to do so, but if Disney came forward, of course they would be happy to do so. Enjoy the results.
Anyway, Disney will take the blame if something goes wrong. They can just surrender or give in when the situation turns bad.
"Haha, Raymond, you think well. We at Disney do have some influence in Congress, but it is only for some insignificant bills. For such important bills as the black tax bill, there is no It’s easy to handle.”
Of course Okanji heard Raymond’s intention to use him as a gunman, but he was not a fool. First, he went to the IRS to lobby to attack the black tax bill. Basically, it directly affects the lifeblood of the IRS, which is too dangerous.
Secondly, Disney has strength, but it is compared to the entire Disney Group, and Disney Pictures is just a subsidiary of the group. How can it have the power to decide such a big thing as lobbying in Congress? ?
“I’ve said it before, lobbying doesn’t have to be successful. As long as you spread the word, the IRS will definitely be nervous. After all, Disney has an example of the Mickey Mouse Act. , they will also be afraid, as long as they are afraid, then we can have a good talk, and then both sides will take a step back, which is not a bad thing. "
After Raymond finished speaking, the other big guys. The people in the company looked at each other. From their standpoint, this statement still made some sense.
In fact, now that things have happened, they are willing to make some concessions to the Western Suburbs Branch.
But the premise is that David does not make this matter too big, affecting the market value and stock of their company, and the amount of punishment imposed on them cannot be too severe to cause them to bleed.
"I think this method can be tried."
"Yes, I agree."
"..."
Seeing representatives from major companies speaking out in support, Lei Mond also gained a little more confidence. He looked at Okanji, who had a slightly gloomy face, and said: "Mr. Okanji, the Western Suburban Branch is currently investigating your group's acquisition of Fuchs. If it is later, it will be They have more words, and then it will be too late for you to lobby Congress!”
The underlying meaning of his words is also that the matter now is between you Disney and Fuchs! As a result of the acquisition case, you, Disney, should be the first to take the lead for everyone!
Of course Okanji understood it. At this moment, he was cursing in his heart, but he had no way to refute.
Because currently Raymond’s words have not only received support from other major film companies, but also the key to lobbying Congress is that only he, Disney, has the strength to do it. The other major film companies Even if I wanted to do it, I couldn't.
And there is another point. It seems that this is the only way to try it at present. Otherwise, they can only sit back and wait for the Western Suburbs Branch to investigate!
"Mr. Okanji, there is no need to rush to give us an answer. If this matter is serious, it can be regarded as a crisis for your entire Disney Group. I think you should go to those of you." Let’s talk to the big boss.”
Of course Raymond also knows that such a big matter cannot be decided by Okanji alone as the vice president of a subsidiary.
"You don't need to teach me how to do things. I've said it before. If we want Disney to lobby Congress, the amount of money spent is not small. We can't pay this money ourselves. Do you have any objections? ”
Raymond knew that these people planned to use their Disney as gunmen, so he naturally let these guys shed some blood to make it easier.
People from several major film companies looked at each other, and finally Raymond said: "Okay, as long as you can persuade your senior management to lobby, how much money will it cost? We at Paramount are willing to "We, Mi Gaomei, are also willing to bear part."
"We, Huana, are also willing to bear it."
"..."
...
While the eight major film companies were plotting, at the Western Suburbs Branch, David was also assigning tasks to his subordinates.
"Inspector Lewis, you set up a separate investigation team to investigate the Disney acquisition of Fuchs, and bring back to me all the supervisors who were responsible for this acquisition! "
"Bucky, let the news out and say that our western suburbs branch's tax audit of Hollywood has officially begun. All film companies or studios that take the initiative to report tax 'omissions', as long as they come to us truthfully and take the initiative to report, we will You can forget about it and keep it confidential.”
"Nissen, take the people..."
"..."
Everyone who received the instructions nodded, then turned and left.
In the next few days, the Western Suburbs Bureau was like a machine running at full capacity, conducting 24-hour investigations on various companies, studios, and even a large number of people in Hollywood. .
Under the tracking reports of major media, the hot words "Hollywood tax clearance" have frequently appeared on the headlines of major social software.
"Hello everyone, this is the Los Angeles Times. It has been five days since the last court hearing of the big shots. During these five days, the Western Suburban Bureau has made no next move. Let's see what Chief David is doing. It’s time to ‘take action’!”
“Hello, dear viewers, this is the BBC. This is the fifth day that the Western Suburbs Bureau has officially launched a tax audit on Hollywood. According to the news we have received, currently Hollywood No film company in China has taken the initiative to apply to the Western Suburbs Branch. Let’s see what happens next!”
“…”
Although the Western Suburbs is currently on the surface. It was calm, but both the media and the audience knew that this was just the eve of the storm.
First of all, in the last court hearing, the Western Suburbs Branch has revealed that there may be tax problems with Disney's acquisition of Fuchs Film Company, but there is no result yet.
Secondly, the Western Suburbs Branch had issued a notice five days ago, asking major Hollywood film companies to take the initiative to file tax returns, but now no one has come. There are only two possibilities.
First, no film company in Hollywood has ever had a problem with tax omissions over the years.
Second, that is, all the major film companies have united their front and want to fight with the Western Suburbs Bureau!
Anyone with a discerning eye can see that the former is almost impossible, so there is only the second result left, that is, the major film companies have united the front and really want to fight with the Western Suburbs Branch Take a fight.
There is a good show to watch next!
(End of this chapter)