DeSantis Slapped With Massive Lawsuit
Companies want to interfere with U.S. politics but can’t handle the heat.
Disney has initiated legal action against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the state withdrew its self-governance rights following a widely publicized conflict over the corporation’s political involvements.
According to Fox, on Wednesday, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. lodged a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida accusing DeSantis of organizing a “deliberate government retaliation campaign” against the corporation, which infringes on Disney’s freedom of expression. The legal action was taken subsequent to a board, appointed by DeSantis to oversee the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, where the Walt Disney World resort is located, revoking two development agreements that Disney had inked in February.
As one of the biggest employers in Florida, Disney contended that the revoked contracts “formed the basis for Disney’s investment of billions of dollars and thousands of jobs.”
Disney’s lawsuit against DeSantis explains, “This government action was patently retaliatory, patently anti-business, and patently unconstitutional. But the Governor and his allies have made clear they do not care and will not stop.”
Taryn Fenske, who serves as the communications director for DeSantis, remarked that “We are not aware of any legal entitlement that a corporation has to manage its own administration or keep exclusive advantages not extended to other businesses in the state.”
“This lawsuit is yet another unfortunate example of their hope to undermine the will of the Florida voters and operate outside the bounds of the law,” Fenske added.
The legal action has now drawn the courts into a confrontation between DeSantis and Disney that started when the corporation advocated for the repeal of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education statute, which critics had erroneously dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. DeSantis, who is anticipated to run for the presidency in 2024, countered by urging the Florida legislature to withdraw Disney’s self-governance rights and create a new board, staffed by his own nominees, that currently regulates the expansion of the theme park.
