A federal judge on Wednesday accused Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and members of a state commission of retaliating after Walt Disney criticized the state’s restrictions on classroom discussions of sexuality, according to court filings. Walt Disney’s lawsuit against him was dismissed.
“This is an important case with serious implications for the rule of law, and this is not the end of the story,” a Disney spokesperson said.
“If left unchecked, this would set a dangerous precedent and give states permission to weaponize public authority to punish the expression of political views with which they disagree. We are determined to press forward with our case.”
DeSantis and other defendants had asked U.S. District Judge Allen Windsor in Tallahassee, Fla., to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that Disney cannot sue under constitutional state law.
The controversy began after Disney last year criticized a ban on classroom discussion dubbed the “Don’t Say I’m Gay” law by opponents.
DeSantis has repeatedly attacked what he calls “woke Disney” in public as he prepares to campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, but earlier this month he announced his efforts. I gave up.
The state Legislature stripped Disney of its control over special development districts, which since 1967 had given Disney de facto autonomy around its theme parks, including the Walt Disney World Resort.
Then, a newly created district appointed by DeSantis, known as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight Commission, nullified the deal that Disney had pushed through just before the previous commission was replaced.
Disney responded by suing the governor and its directors, accusing them of punishing the company for political comments.
The new board fired back, asking a state court judge to declare the previous agreement, which favored Disney and limited the board’s actions for decades, to be improper and invalid.
That case is still pending.
A report released by the new board in early December said Disney provided the former board and its employees with millions of dollars worth of tickets, discounted hotel stays and other benefits that “took on bribes to public officials.” He is said to have given.
