New: DeSantis Makes a Bold Move in Current Disney Lawsuit
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The tension between the company and the state continued to worsen as state Republicans repealed the Reedy Creek Improvement Act of 1967.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.
I bet kids love Destin over Disney. Not
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!
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
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.
The SCOTUS gave corporations 1st Amendment protections, particularly free speech in the Citizens United case
Maybe you don’t. I don’t either as a Floridian but many people do. Thousands of Floridians jobs are with Disney. So some people do need it to survive, as income to live off of. Hence, survival.
I agree. DeSantis is hell bent on destroying Florida. There has to be consequences for the destruction.
Disney has been hijacked by this mob with woke agenda. Disney would not approve of this agenda. He would have never approved of this attack on the children and thanks to DeSantis, someone is standing up for the majority.
They specifically targeted Disney and left alone every other special district, even if we say that your interpretation is correct (it's not) than that still is illegal. They can't make a law to target a specific business like that
Immunity? Are you kidding me? As an elected official he should be held to a higher standard. No elected official from the very top down should be excused for breaking the laws we are all expected to adhere to.Unfortunately there has been a history of looking the other way for politicians and celebrities.
Amen! You are so right!
Florida supplements Disney? Disney is the biggest taxpayer in the state. Stop drinking the kool-aid
It's the biggest employer in the state. You may have a job that doesn't rely on Disney but a huge chunk of Florida does.
Even if that means going against the constitution?
You are correct.
Disney should leave florida and then he will find out the big mistake he caused.
I hope your not talking about the parks being around for ppl to survive? Because as a Floridian I definitely don’t need it to survive.
I so agree w you on this I haven’t been to Disney in a few years because it just seems to be getting worse each trip I took. So I could really careless if Disney moved at least Florida wouldn’t be full of tourist.
So what if Disney put Florida on the map. Now Disney is pushing the gay thingy on our children and that wasn't part of the plan.
You stay defending Disney while we Patriotic Americans protect our children
Mmmm…. Starting to connect the dots….
Everyone is missin that Ron dictator is runnin his office by his cult beliefs. We are not suppose to mix religion(cult beleifs) and state. PLAIN AND SIMPLE.. wanna mix the 2 ,then the cults need to pay all there back taxes from the yr bc...
DUMB DONALD AND RON DICTATOR DO NOT BELONG IN THE WHITE HOUSE AT ALL
Your remark is hilarious, how are Florida taxpayers supplementing them? Disney is a world destination, they draw visitors from all over the globe, those visitors spend time and money all over Florida,. And Disney pays billions a year in taxes. Name me anyplace else in Florida that brings in the tourists and spends it in the state like Disney? DeSantis is doing this to get national name recognition, because he wants to be president, he is costing Florida taxpayers money. How does it benefit Florida's to buy a immigrant in Texas a plane ticket to California, or to charter a private plane?
Excellent point! The dictator should go after The Villages, that would be fantastic! Will never happen though, they are all cut from the same cloth.
Disney pays the Most taxes, than any business in Florida.. and employs the most employees.. So huh?
Hahahaha...and therein is EXACTLY why DeSantis is able to play dictator and our country has become a 3rd world rated K-12 banana republic...RIF
Walt came to Central Florida BECAUSE there was NOTHING, absolutely nothing there! Recentcy bias has blinded you to the fact that Disney made Florida an international travel destination.
Cutting off his nose to spite his face has now opened him, FL voters, and the rest of the country to the realization he's not POTUS material AND arrogance is eerily similar to stupidity in its application.
De Santis must be jailed and pay for the damages to the state and we the people.
Umm the US government is the largest employer in the country, and Walmart is the largest corporate employer.
I feel as drew feels about this topic, show your courage and get it done.
You don’t know what you’re talking about. They pay taxes and bring much needed jobs to the state.
He SHOULD be held responsible. It was totally his decision to act like a baby because they had the wherewithal to stand up to the Hitler wannabe.
So true. Disney today is not the Disney I remember and loved. Be it their movies, theme parks, political aggressions, or whatever. I truest feel sorry for the children who will never know the true Walt inspired messages.
De Santos is not a reasonable man at all and should be jailed for his actions this is the United States not the Russian federation.
I saw that he instated that law and it irritated me. He is like he is running the government from the Book of Ron.
DeSantis is a fascist dictator who will never be president. Why does he think He can "make America Florida"??? The majority of Floridians can't stand how he's ruining that state and he wants to take his dictatorship nationwide? What happened to the sunshine laws in Florida? He's a hypocrite who wants to govern with an iron fist but puts himself above the law. Vote him out!
they have made billions in the process.
how long should the Florida tax payers supplement them?
For eternity, no matter how much money they make?
they are no longer a start up company in need of tax breaks.
it is time they pay there fair share.
I thought tax breaks to 1%ers were not popular anymore?
it is unprecedented to have a federal court take on a case that is currently in state court.
it is something that federal courts never do.
Federal Courts only take up a case after it has made it way the the state court system or if state courts refuses to take up the case.
This will be Dismissed on those grounds alone.
why even have state courts then?
The state entered an agreement (contract) with Disney to attract the company to do business here, now they want to cancel the agreement. There won’t be another major company that will put any faith in the contracts Florida signs ever again.
DeSantis is far from reasonable. Unless of course you agree with his every word. If not we'll look at this mess right here with the biggest employer and largest taxpaying corporation in FL. They didn't agree with him and he has cost Florida millions maybe billions of dollars because they disagreed with him. That is not a reasonable man it is a spoiled child who throws a tantrum when he doesn't get his way
Really people? Orlando and central Florida exist as they are because Disney is here. Do you really think that Universal or International Drive, SeaWorld, would be here if not for Disney. The number of local companies that serve or support Disney that provide thousands of jobs to people. If Disney closed just one park or moved studio operations the economic blow to the area would be devastating. To small and large business alike . Don't drink this Kool aid that Rhonda Santis is pushing. It is poor leadership and poor judgement and complete over reach by the state. Standing against this bill was a business decision and freedom of speech by Disney.the first weekend of June is gay days and people from all over the world come to celebrate. It is probably one of the most profitable weekends of the year for them, so yes they are going speak out against the "Don't say gay bill". It s called capitalism. Freedom of speech and good business. Also it is the right thing to do.
Disney CEO and Floridas governor are both reasonable men, the smartest thing they can do is sit down together one on one and work this thing out for the good of the state and Disney.
Doug is not at all on this Planet,Florida has to leave their main vein ALONE , It made what everyone needs to SURVIVE ,!!!!!!!!!!!!
Disney world should been worried about fixing the falling apart park,than worrying about WOKE crap. Last 4years the park has went to crap. Every time you go there half rides are breaking down or closed. Disney world has become a disgrace.
Never
Surely you mean that DeSantis or the DICTATOR as he should called should get out as he goes after any one or any company that doesn’t agree with him! Who’s company is he going to try to rule over next? He always sends in “his hand picked” people who are to be seen but they are not to say a word that he hasn’t scripted first.
He didn’t have a problem with Disney when he got married there & I’m sure his kids have been to Disney, too. He’s power hungry!
It’s interesting that just before he announced his running for president he sign a bill into law stating that elected officials can maintain their job while running for another.
There are over 1800 other special tax districts in fl, including the villages, Orlando airport and Daytona speedway. They all operate as small independent municipalities
Citizens united says corporations are people
Never going to happen
Hilarious!
The constitution gives free speech to people. A corporation is granted a charter to exist by a state.
The state can also revoke the charter.
Disney is no longer a young startup company and no longer needs to be susidized by the people of Florida.
And if they are expected follow basic moral behavior, then they can do that or forfeit their charter and shut down.
I think they are making too much money for the stockholders to do that.
Also, a corporation does not have vocal chords.
It is a piece of paper. So free speech in my mind is a right and privilege of living beings that can speak.
Hyperbole
Disney's law suit against DeSantis and the state has merit and should move forward. If it were up to me, DeSantis should be tried for violating the rights of every LGBTQIA person in Florida.
Florida is a lot more than just Disney. That's why Walt came here in the first place.
Meathead Ron should be taken to the swamp to play with the local wildlife.
Well in this case maybe it should. Respectfully what happened to them?
It would be nice is DeSantos would spend some time on fixing our insurance problems and traffic problems ( takes me an hour to go 16 miles) instead of being vindictive on Disney. With all of the unregulated building we will soon be having water problems and how about all the kids going to school in trailers. Of course his kids go to private school. How about the teacher shortage, book banning especially if they mention slavery, the holocast,amd some other history. Harry Potter is allowed in high school. My kids read Potter in 5th grade. He wants to be Little Caesar.
Great idea. I wonder if it could work?
When Disney came into this swamp in the 60s there were no other businesses here to give a special taxation benefit to, no one would touch this mosquito infested place. They cleared the swamp and built infrastructure at a time when Florida was nothing
On the scientist is destroying the Florida economic base between the workers' rights at Disney and the documented and undocumented aliens doing much of the agricultural work Florida is going to slip economically and Ron DeSantis doesn't know how to back up and let things go
The reason Disney got a "sweetheart" land deal in the 50's and 60's is because the land they purchased was crappy swampland. Disney pulled off a monumental feat of engineering just making the land usable. Without Disney Florida would be a backwater dirt poor southern state.
I wrote a reply to your post but I don’t know if I posted it or I deleted it. It was a long reply so I’m going to make it short this time. You’re right about everything you said about Florida not being a free state anymore. By the time DeSantis gets through with the state of Florida, Disney will be the only thing holding it together. if my post that I wrote earlier was posted then it will explain what I mean.
That is correct
Step up or get out.
After 2 terms as President.
Thank you pat, I agree , wake up people and the people of Florida , your in trouble , better smell the flowers..
You know these questions were asked before he ran and were unanswered too
They never did own RCID, and I have yet to hear anyone make such an outlandish assertion, when it's a community district where they were the primary land/business owner therefore they did have more voting power within the district.
What I always feel is odd is your assertion that people are nitwits who believe that elected officials used their power to silence the free speech of Disney, by first asserting they did not have a right to their speech, and should have stayed silent, and then the assertion that now that they used their free speech in a way the GOP in Florida did not like, they would pass legislation to increase controls around that company. The fact that you think only a nitwit would find this to be a violation of free speech, and the lawsuit is void, seems uneducated. There is a legitimate case, and people who care about the truth are very excited to see it play out.
You may agree with DeSantis, but the law disagrees that a company should remain neutral. It's the opposite. Company's have a right to free speech the same as an individual, per Citizens United. If you do not agree with that case, then it would seem like you should vote for Liberals, as they have been complaining about this ruling since it happened. The real problem is the people that want you to feel like companies don't have a right to free speech are the same people using that right by working with Political Action Committees. They know they have a very gullible, naive, uneducated, partisan voter base so they can say one thing while doing the opposite.
Excuse me, but what theater company in this country does not employ LGBTQ+ people??? Most of them ARE theatrical people, creative, artistic people. You want Disney to turn their backs on their own employees???? What would your ass be saying about them, if they had done something like that???
Ummm, Daytona Speedway is a special
district as is The Villages and about 1900 other entities.
Try again, only next time be sure you know what you’re talking about.
I think DeSantis is about as backstabbing, backdoor as you can possibly get .so if he’s pulling this now so that he can have a better chance at the presidency. What do you think he’s going to do with everybody else? Till no one has any rights left at all, unless he allows you to have them he wants complete control
Just shut down till governor cries uncle.
Actually, Publix is Florida’s largest employer! I thought it was Disney to!
DeSantis is a stupid little man. Most of the comments here echo this… well the “stupid” part anyway. (I guess he couldn’t pay enough supporters to write their opinion.) I hope he personally gets what is coming to him, and what’s left for him is a sinkhole for a home. He showed no mercy to legal immigrant families, and he deserves no mercy either.
You're free to hit the road too! farewell
You only say that because you disagree with the with the side Disney has taken, more liberal. If we, as a nation, feel that our cooperations shouldn't express a political opinion, then shouldn't have allowed them personhood (Citizen's United).
I couldn’t agree more. Why should he be immune from disclosure and Supreme Court Rulings just because he is a self proclaimed dictator. This is America and stupid bigotry is allowing him rule like he is king and America is his kingdom. Wake up people he is evil.
Yes other corporations do receive that. There are approximately 1,800 special districts in the state of Florida. Two of the more well known are Daytona Speedway and The Villages. A lot of people don’t know this.
If we agree and believe that our freedom of speech is not only protected by the Constitution but a pilar of our Democracy, we should accept that Mr. DeSantis is violating Disney's rights as well as those of us who reside FL. Mr. DeSantis should forget about his grandiose dreams and do his job as governor better than telling us what we can and can't do. Trying to be governor, police officer, moral guardian and God is too much for someone without the skills, temperament and much less, disposition
Not true, Universal studios, SeaWorld and the villages all have special districts running them. In fact, there almost 2000 special districts like the one Disney has in FL. So you have to wonder why is Disney the only one targeted…
The Villages…among others. Do some research…
They are but he signed his own bill where he doesn’t have to.
Absolutely true ! The Florida legislature reversed it 2017 position so Ron would not have to step down....
It would be pretty amusing to see him try and change the 1st Amendment. :D
Daytona Speedway and The Villages both have the same setup for governing themselves as Disney.
Their start up costs needed to be protected to create all that infrastructure that Universal came in later, and took advantage of having it all in place.
Actually there are more than 1800 special districts in Florida that have similar governmental situations to Disney.
You're wrong! There are many special districts in Florida like the one created for Disney...Educate yourself and look it up!
Please define "Woke". I haven't heard anybody capable of doing that yet.
Anything Desantis does is to help himself. When this guy will be stop. This doesn't benefit anybody in the State of FL or Floridians
There are almost 2000 special districts in Florida, including the Villages, Daytona Speedway and Universal.
That's florida for you.
when Disney bought the land it was all swamp. and part of the agreement was that Disney would maintain the infrastructure around the park, and provide their own emergency services so the state wouldn't have to foot the bill, which allowed them to control the look of the surrounding areas. not to mention the taxes Disney also paid to Florida.
Exactly
You’re right, he is supposed to step down if he’s running for higher office, like President of the United States but because he is governor, he had everyone in the house vote him to keep his job as governor just in case he didn’t become president. That is wrong and Florida needs a new governor now. DeSantis keeps using his powers as governor for his own purposes. This is the abuse of power of the governor.
There are over 1,700 Independent and Dependent Special Districts in the state, governed by more than 30 statutes, involving over 500 local governments
FYI, Disney is a union employer, they spoke because The People forced them to under their union contracts.
I've discovered it's not widely known the backstory here. As a local and family of Disney employees, I can say there is a lot you don't know about.
First thing to know is that Disney is an old school Union employer. As such they are legally obligated in their contract terms, which I personally reviewed, to stand up to legislative issues IF a majority of their union employees have petitioned them to do so (as was the backbone of most unions during our country's most formative years, to protect us against tyranny).
Prior to Disney speaking up, this scenario Did happen. It was all over our local news, The People enmass were planning walkouts and strike if Disney did not uphold their union obligation to speak on the behalf of The People.
I find it shameful that so many of these people that were part of the collective disagreement, after this became a red vs blue issue, now won't speak up to defend the company They Forced to speak for them.
The only thing Disney is guilty of here, is upholding Union law.
That's a very sad statement. A sad statement for America blaming Disney for using their freedom of speech. That's what's at risk here. DeSantis is Despicable. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Desantis is the worst governor ever
Woke goes to Florida to Die. But it hasn't died yet, because DeSantis won't let it die. This guy is Buzzard Bait.
Haven’t many people noticed that anything DeSantis touches goes to Crapola?
-Home Insurance?
-Tax Reductions?
-Business Retaliation & FL Investment Drop?
-Covid Deaths?
-His Candidacy?
This guy is going down & taking FL with him.
Florida taxpayers are paying for this ridiculous politician. I don't think he ever read the constitution. He's a danger to us all. He was elected to help the people of Florida, not to pursue his personal agenda
Absolutely!!
Reminds me of Hitler and Fidel Castro.... hopefully history won't repeat itself.....
I believe everyone should beware of this Trump wantabe as he runs for president. What happens if he goes after YOU? He has no friends, he has no direction, he has no business criticizing others. Vote him out at your first opportunity.
Well said. I thought the governor of Florida is supposed to step down when they run for higher office. Oh, that's right the legislature changed that to benefit Ron DeSanctamonius.
This fool is a better fit for Russia or China. I'm not cool with government making my personal decisions or giving me my opinion!
But that's true of any state or federal level politician! Trying to impose ideas onto others. And using their power in government. But we forget WE the PEOPLE vote them in....
Totally agree. We need to find a politician not powered by ego and power hunger. Florida is about to become a communist state
The majority of Floridians do not agree with Desantis. Disney is not only the largest employer in the state of Florida but the entire United States. The state of Florida has lower taxes than many states. That is only possible related to Disney! Disney was about to launch a big project in Florida. They recently dropped it and moved it to California. Lots of money lost for Florida. We needed
it more now that it is estimated that 1000 people a day move to Florida.
Disney was given special treatment that Universal didn't receive. You really should be asking why Disney was able to govern themselves within the state of Florida? No other corporation received that.
Walt Disney would roll in his grave if he knew what Disney has become, a company which supports alternate agendas and woke ideology. Desantis is my next president. As for Nazi comment, we are living in a socialist society already thanks to the Bonehead president we have in power!
I would welcome Disney to move to my liberal work New York State. Wish Disney could move to my state
The minute an individual uses the terminology "woke", I turn my back on them.
DeSantis is stepping way over his office. He cannot be allowed to continue this crap. He needs to be shut down. Give that man an inch he takes a mile. What would Florida be like without Disney? It certainly wouldn’t have the money tourism brings in due to them.
The Governor is definitely in the right and the new Disney Corp is no longer in tune with wholesome family entertainment. The new Disney Corp ( not Walt's Disney) has made it there business to be 100% LGBTQ in one form or another and not and no longer Disney of Walt.
Voltaire is credited to have said, “I may not agree with what you say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.”
Governor Ron DeHitler’s version adds, “—unless you disagree with me.”
For those who think Der Fürher is right, don’t come crying to any of us when you disagree with him, speak out, and suffer the consequences of your disloyalty.
I think Disney should leave Florida and watch the poor colonizers start complaining and crying when the Swamp grows up around them, and see if the conservative Cubans will help keep the Swamp a float I don't think so most of you don't have a clue what woke is so just stay stupid and uneducated and watch what the Ron Destroyer does for you.
i thin k DeSantis and his minions should all be put on a plane and flown to Russia. Let them compete with Putin
The only people that are work as you call it is people like you you maga moron I hope you never see another day on this Earth yeah freaking moron. Open your mind not your mouth.
The minute Disney went Woke was when I turned my back on them.
They have become a disgusting company.
But desantis ended up making the bill k-12, not k-3, what he originally said. That is why Disney fought him. Any company has a right to fight against a bill. It happens all the time. for example many companies fight against environmental regulations. Hobby lobby fought Obama against it's employees getting free birth control. Happens all the time. So Disney has the right to fight against it. A government entity retailiating is not legal and infringes on the 1st amendment.
Yeah, only 70% of florida residents agree with him, he is so wrong.
this guy Ron desantis needs to be stopped he's not God for Florida and he's not good for America please people vote him out,we can do better than someone like him
You mean like Disney?
Really, Disney vowed to use it's corporate power to get the bill repealed. I owned Disney stock then and didn't authorize that. Corporations need to get out of politics and back to their products.
Well said!
The Governor over stepped his authority, now that hr os running for Pres. he does not want bad press his competitors can use against him
He is not an honest person and soon America will getting know that
In my opinion DeSantis is no more than a wana be dictator trying to impose his ideas on to others and retaliate when someone opposes what he says and thus uses his standing in the government to implement laws and legislation to force others to abide by his way of thinking no matter how bad it is for others or what constitutional rights he breaks in the process. If he wins the presidential election we are all screwed. Disney in my opinion is right and DeSantis should be held accountable.
I back DeSantis 100% on this. Disney needs to get back to its original roots of entertaining children and families. This intrusion into politics was ill advised and unnecessary. Disney received sweetheart deals in the 50’s and it is time to bring them into line with what requirements other big businesses and developments must follow. Disney is being petulant now for the results of their forays into running Florida instead of sticking to their purpose of entertaining. Walt Disney would never have let any of this political activism happen.
I live in “the Free State of Florida” where you are free to not read books he wants banned, free to watch COVID spread because he opposed masks and vaccinations, free to have your voting rights restricted, free to have who represents you changed by gerrymandering, free to attend a college where he decides who serves as trustees and what courses are available to you, free to be fearful about anyone and everyone being allowed to carry a concealed firearm, free to be denied access to public records because he doesn’t want us to know that Florida taxpayers are paying for his presidential campaign and nationwide plus international travel, free to watch him remove duly elected State Attorneys who disagree with him, free to watch out Legislature and Courts give him anything he asks for, free to watch him misuse his office to attack anyone and anything that disagrees with him, free to watch him claim that he is the reason Florida does not have an income tax, and more. Yup, we’re free to do anything he wants us to do and that he doesn’t oppose.
Should the Governor be immune from punishment over violating basic rights to free speech? Lol, the Governor should be punished to the greatest extent of the law for violating the 1st amendment in such a blatant and obvious manner
No immunity. He is messing up his political career. It amazes me how we keep putting ego maniacs in public office.
We all need to step back and look at reality. DeSantis was here yesterday, he may even be here tomorrow. DISNEY has been here since the sixties and will be here till they decide to leave. Governors come and go laws change as people change them. This is all political for both DeSantis and Disney.
The point is that Disney was targeted for their free speech comments. If the state wanted to change all the special districts, they could have. But they chose to target RCID because of Disney’s free speech comments. Retaliation is not okay. Ever. 17 million dollars of FL $$ going to appeal discriminatory laws Desantis is spitting out daily.
Grow a backbone that was all in fun! That community has taken a lot of hate from conservatives l don't blame them for lashing out! Words can never you, it's the sticks and stones.
I think the US needs to keep a close eye out for DeSantis. He keeps making up his own rules and should be held accountable along with the education department in FL. They are trying to give corporations, and residence laws that only they feel should be made. They our out of control. They are not working with the largest corporation in their state only because DeSantis is having a fit about Disney. Let's just pray he's never elected for president.
No I think that the governor has over step his power to take a political gain he hate Disney and make the taxpayer cover his back wrong thing to do he should just get out the race and go home and make a pie
Exactly, I don't trust him!
DeSantis is just mad Disney made a great deal makes me worried want he would do free speech as President. I think the Judge should NOT throw out the suit. He started this mess
I feel Desantis has another agenda by backing down, something is up his sleeve. WWJD? He is scary for sure. Makes me think of Handmaid’s Tale….
Companies are like individuals, they have the right to express their viewpoints. In fact, everybody should speak out against his unconstitutional authoritarian movements
EXACTLY!! Most of his authoritarian acts have been cut down by the judicial system. All of America needs to know what he is as he runs for president
Your absolutely right fire everybody and let's start over electing new officials ppl that actually work for the ppl and not big business
I was in sympathy with the LGBTQ+ movement until I recently saw the Seattle Pride parade pictures and heard the "We're coming for your children!" NYC Pride parade chants. This movement originally sold itself on the premise that "We're just like you, we just love different people." Sorry, but I don't ride bicycles naked in public, much less in front of kids, or ever for that matter, and I'm not "coming for" anybody's children. You are obviously not just like me and I have zero sympathy any more. You brought this reaction down on yourselves. I hope DeSantis succeeds!
I no longer support DeSantis because of his dealing with Disney. Disney put Florida on the map providing safe and responsible family entertainment. DeSantis is behaving like the worst kind of bully. Politics at its worst.
Reminds me of George Wallace
By the time he hits the primary all his laws will be found unconstitutional and make America Florida will mean where home insurance policies went to die.
Hate to say this but I'd rather have Ted Cruz. And I hate Cruz.
I know this is going to shock alot of the nitwits on here, but let me share a secret. Disney never owned the RCID! I can already hear the "Nah uh its their's!". Wrong. RCID was a creation of the FL Legislature. The purpose of it was to oversee the special district. Its purpose was NOT to be Disney's puppet nor to have its membership manipulate by Disney. In fact that right there is a reason to dismiss Disney's lawsuit, because Disney has suffered no damage. RCID was always a product of the legislature as it is a delegation of their power. What is made by the legislature, can be done away with by the legislature (this is also why most of Disney's case will be at best stayed if not thrown out). It is in fact illegal to delegate governmental power to a private entity (this is what makes Disney/RCIDs agreements null and void).
The fact that it was an act of the legislature would be why Desantis would be immune. RCID was not done away with by executive order, but by a bill.
We have to remember that Defurher was in the military and is used to people obeying him. We are heading towards socialism. So sad. His motto is: don’t disagree with me or I will retaliate “
I second that! DeSantis has a personal vendetta going on with Disney because they disagreed with his ludicrous DON'T SAY GAY bill. DeSantis thinks this fight makes him look strong, but it only proves that he is a weak little man who puts us all in danger by his ineptitude
Yes
You are spot on. This guy is cruel & dangerous.
People have the right to not shop at Target or drink Bud light or take their children out of public schools BUT that doesn't give people the right to limit those businesses and schools from selling their bee or LGBTQ items or teaching everything to children... One person's opinion should NEVER get control over anyone else.
This man has gone out of his mind he thinks he can do whatever he wants he's out of control and needs to b stoped befor he ruines our country all the people in government are the same it's time to start over and elect a new government of real people not crooks
The point isn't whether or not parents get a right to their child's education but whether or not the governor can relaliate against a company's free speech. One might not like what's said, but as the Supreme Court ruled that companies are people, they get as much right to express their opinions as you or I. Furthermore, if he really cared about making all companies follow the same rules then he would've done the same to Sea World, Universal, & the same to all Special Districts, but didn't. All Special Districts are granted a form of self governing. Except now Disney's.
Still was only words, no action. RonnieD threw the first punch. Not the first time, it’s his MO
Absolutely not. Everyone knows RonnieD’s power plays. Hold him accountable. He’s got the Congress wrapped on his little finger - judges stand up for right.!
I agree with you 100%, he has gone over board and he's using tax payers money. Attorneys don't work for free!
I completely agree with those who have written. God help us if he gets in. I wish he would leave FL as well.
The US supreme court ruled that corporations are people too. Therefore they have the same rights as any person. Not to mention that they people of Disney are who pressurred them to take a stand. DeSantis went directly against the constitutional definition of free speech. It stated that the government cannot retaliate against the private sector for disagreeing with them. As far as working to over turn it... That is what should be done, just like people who are working to cottify roe v wade. The government works for the people. When that doesn't happen, we absolutely do not have to wait for an election. Not to mention he broke a contract with Disney that had been in place for over 50 years. All people can speak out when ever they want and shall be no retaliation.
Disney was entitled to their opinion but took it so much further by saying that the bill said one thing and it did not. But then followed up on it by saying they would work to have the bill overturned. It is one thing to express an opinion and quite another to say you will work to have it overturned. But, I think all if this has gone too far in both sides.
DeSantis should be impeached and removed from office for violating the 1st amendment. He should also be removed because he is making decisions that are in line for dictatorship in the state of Florida. It is his way or the highway. What a crybaby.
State officials do have immunity from mistakes they make in the performance of their official duties.
However, I don't think that immunity extends to fraudulent or self-serving behavior, especially when denying the constitutional rights of others.
DeSantis is doing this for a big show, but it's going to cost Florida taxpayers, and any costs to Disney will ultimately cost consumers of Disney products.
I was planning on voting for DeSantis, but this Disney stuff (and other issues) have changed my mind.
For the 1,500th time every parent has the right to demand full control over their own children. The media has constantly taken information and skewed it to their viewpoint. I don't agree with DeSantis on many things but this I do. Anyone in business should stay neutral. Speak at the ballot box. Look what is happening to Budweiser and Target . The people should decide what agenda they want not corporations deciding what the people want. Vote Vote Vote
DeSantis sounds like Trump each day. I agree, Dictators want a be, both. Above the law but in DeSantis case he'll just get his state house and Senate to change the law in his favor!
Governor insantis started this whole thing. I believe that he should be held responsible for any and all outcomes of this stupid lawsuit. He has outright retaliated against Disney because they said no. You don't see him going after universal.
Once again Vladimir DeSantis shows FLORIDA & the Country the type of Authoritarian Leader he would be if ever elected President
To be clear, this was hardly a bold move by DeSantis.
And DeSantis should lose this Motion for the simple reason the wording of the law is clear. DeSantis violated a clearly established constitutional right, Disney’s First Amendment Right to Free Speech
Disney can easily prove this by showing the Actions taken by DeSantis
If the First Amendment is not a clearly established Right, I don’t know what would be.
Desantis is wrong in so many ways!
Disney is correct, Desantas is a bully. Plain and simple .
Desantis wants free publicity for his faltering presidential campaign. It's funny how some politicians want corporations to be considered people so long as they can donate wads of dirty cash to campaigns.
But those rights suddenly disappear when corporations want to have a public opinion that's not convenient. Desantis is a power hungry madman who should be ejected on his rumpus if Floridians have even a bit of common sense.
DeSantis is acting more Hitler-like every day. I hope any judge on the case decides in Disney's favor.
Desantis is a dictator wannabe. He craves power. VOTE HIM OUT! Pure retaliation because Disney didnt kiss his ring.
He should get what's coming to him he started this whole thing no immunity for anyone. They all need to be held accountable
That's a headline to get people's attention.