In a yearlong conflict that has captured national attention, The Walt Disney Company has taken on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in a fierce legal battle, accusing him of evading responsibility for his actions in their ongoing feud. The media giant filed a lawsuit in federal court in April, asserting that the governor violated its free speech rights by retaliating against its opposition to a state law that limits LGBTQ-inclusive teachings in schools.
Governor DeSantis, who is also a presidential candidate, requested the court to dismiss the suit, claiming that his actions were merely enforcing state laws and not specifically targeting Disney. However, Disney’s legal team firmly rejected this defense, alleging that the governor’s actions were, in fact, intended to punish the company for its vocal political views. Among the governor’s actions was the takeover of Disney’s special taxing district, which he subsequently renamed and appointed a new board to oversee. This district, also a defendant in the lawsuit, faced financial challenges due to legal fees and associated costs.
Recently, the board proposed cutting $8 million designated for off-duty police officers patrolling Disney properties, deeming it a “waste of money.” The root of the conflict traces back to the contentious “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which sparked nationwide outrage and faced opposition from more than 150 major companies, including the Human Rights Campaign. Joining the protest, The Walt Disney Company publicly denounced the law after its employees staged a walkout. Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced the suspension of political donations in Florida and a commitment to work towards repealing the controversial law.
Governor DeSantis, not one to back down, retaliated with a fundraising email, declaring, “If Disney wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy.” Subsequently, he wielded his authority to take control of Disney’s special taxing district, granting the company control over its Orlando parks. Disney fired back with a federal lawsuit, accusing DeSantis of violating their free speech rights and seeking to punish them for opposing the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The legal battle between DeSantis and Disney centers on the governor’s claim that he targeted the company for being “woke” and unfair, while Disney asserts that he violated their rights to free speech, contract, and property without a valid reason, thus breaking the 14th Amendment.
DeSantis’ legal team dismisses these claims as “meritless,” asserting that he was reforming the special district to curb Disney’s perceived excessive influence. They argue that the lawsuit is a desperate attempt by Disney to cling to power and that the governor should be granted immunity. However, Disney vehemently disagrees, contending that the governor and the state are turning a blind eye to “our Nation’s most cherished liberties.” In their view, immunity should not apply in this situation, setting the stage for a momentous legal showdown with far-reaching implications for free speech rights and LGBTQ advocacy.