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Things just got interesting as Governor DeSantis took a bold step in the dispute with The Walt Disney Company.
Ongoing Dispute
The past year has been turbulent between the state of Florida and The Walt Disney Company. Florida passed the Parental Rights in Education Law in 2022. The Walt Disney Company originally remained quiet surrounding this bill despite pleas from employees and fans for them to take an official stance. Tension built until then-CEO Bob Chapek denounced the bill, but many believed it was too little, too late.
The tension between the company and the state continued to worsen as state Republicans repealed the Reedy Creek Improvement Act of 1967. This brought big operational changes to how Walt Disney World operates.
Bob Iger stated that although The Walt Disney Company did not handle the response to the Parental Rights in Education Law in the best way, he does feel that DeSantis is punishing the Walt Disney Company for practicing free speech.
New Bold Move
Through many press conferences, pressure continued to be placed on the Walt Disney Company. Finally, in April, Daniel M. Petrocelli, a high-powered Los Angeles litigator, filed complaints on Disney’s behalf in federal court against Governor DeSantis.
The chief reasons for Disney filing this lawsuit included “A targeted campaign of government retaliation – orchestrated at every step by Governor DeSantis as punishment for Disney’s protected speech – now threatens Disney’s business, operations, jeopardizes its economic future in the region, and violates its constitutional rights.”
Today, Governor DeSantis’ lawyers made a bold move and asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit with the Walt Disney Company. This filing includes 27 pages, and these are the main highlights. The state claims that the Walt Disney Company’s filing is “meritless for many reasons” The state also claims that Governor DeSantis and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary should both be “immune from this suit.”
If this isn’t enough the State claims that DeSantis is “entitled to absolute legislative immunity.”
The State also claims that Governor DeSantis and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary should both be “immune from this suit.”
More news will certainly follow this bold move, and we will continue to offer updates as this unfolds.
What do you think of this dispute? Do you think this should be dismissed? Do you think the governor should receive absolute legislative immunity in this case? Share your thoughts and share this with a fellow Disney pal.
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Share the love!
Todd W. Theel
Sunday 2nd of July 2023
I bet kids love Destin over Disney. Not
Scott C
Thursday 29th of June 2023
Disney has been held hostage for over 15 years since DisneyWorld had the Park closed for one day for homosexual lifestyle acceptance - when asked when Christian or Juedo beliefs were going to have a day for themselves at the Park I was told never! Appears that a large minority of DW employees were homosexual and wouldn't work on that day, yet non-homosexual employees expected to work AND attend GAY Day!
Barry McCockener
Thursday 29th of June 2023
You mean central Florida does. Tourism in general drives Florida’s economy, not Disney. Disney is a dinosaur that’s attendance numbers are way down. People are sick of their scam prices and entering into Politics. I’ll stay in Destin thanks, you can keep that dump
FloridaGuy
Thursday 29th of June 2023
No one's talking about the country. They are talking about the state. And the ramifications of this politicians desire to attack the biggest company in his state based on stoking division. When Disney cuts jobs or moves and they have an economic collapse it will be his legacy. Much more than his disastrous attempt to run for President that's basically dead on arrival.
Bob
Thursday 29th of June 2023
The SCOTUS gave corporations 1st Amendment protections, particularly free speech in the Citizens United case