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Disney accuses Ron DeSantis of violating its constitutional rights in ongoing legal feud
Disney criticized Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for avoiding responsibility in their legal battle over a state law limiting LGBTQ education.
Disney slammed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday for trying to dodge “responsibility for his actions” in their ongoing legal clash.
The media giant sued the governor in federal court in April, accusing him of violating its free speech rights by retaliating against its opposition to a state law that limits what schools can teach about sexual orientation or gender identity.
The governor, who is also running for president, asked the court to dismiss the suit, claiming that he was only enforcing state laws and not targeting Disney specifically.
Disney’s lawyers rejected that argument, saying that the governor’s actions were aimed at punishing the company for its political views.
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One of those actions was the governor’s takeover of Disney’s special taxing district, which he renamed and appointed a new board to oversee. The district, which is also a defendant in the suit, is facing financial challenges due to the legal fees and other costs.
On Wednesday, the board said it might cut $8 million that pays for off-duty police officers who patrol Disney properties. The board’s chairman called it a “waste of money.”
A yearlong conflict ignited by a Disney lawsuit
The “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which restricts what schools can teach about LGBTQ issues, sparked national outrage and opposition from more than 150 major companies, including the Human Rights Campaign.
The Walt Disney Company joined the protest and publicly denounced the law after its workers walked out.
The media giant’s former CEO Bob Chapek said Disney was halting political donations in Florida and working to repeal the law.
The 44-year-old governor fired back in a fundraising email, saying, “If Disney wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy.” He then used his power to take over Disney’s special taxing district, which gave the company control over its Orlando parks. Disney sued him in federal court, alleging that he was violating its free speech rights and punishing it for opposing the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
DeSantis’ lawyers asked a judge last month to grant him immunity from the suit, which would end the case and free him from any legal consequences.
DeSantis vs Disney
The Florida governor says he targeted Disney for being “woke” and unfair. Disney says he violated its rights to free speech, contract, and property. Disney says he did this without a valid reason, breaking the 14th Amendment.
DeSantis’ lawyers say this is “meritless.” They say he was reforming a special district that gave Disney too much power. They say the suit is a “last-ditch power grab” and he has immunity.
Disney disagrees. It says the governor and the state are ignoring “our Nation’s most cherished liberties.” It says immunity does not work here.
