BREAKING: Disney Sues Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

Disney4me · April 26, 2023

The Disney vs. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis drama just got more interesting.

2023-reedy-creek-improvement-district-up

Obtained via ClickOrlando Livestream

Disney and DeSantis have been battling for quite some time now, following Disney’s statements against the Parental Rights in Education law (what critics call “Don’t Say Gay”). Following that, DeSantis and the Florida legislature have made some significant changes to Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District (now called the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District) including the imposition of a new board, declarations by the board that some recent Disney x Reedy Creek agreements are invalid, threats of a prison near Disney World, and more. And now Disney is “officially” fighting back.

According to CNBC, Disney has officially sued Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (as well as members of the District’s new board) alleging that the Governor has waged a “relentless campaign to weaponize government power” against Disney.

Obtained via ClickOrlando Livestream

The lawsuit has been filed in federal court and argues that DeSantis has orchestrated a campaign to punish Disney for its political views and that this all now threatens Disney’s business.

Though Disney’s prior responses to the battle have typically been more quiet or subtle, this significantly escalates the feud.

Reedy Creek

According to Scott Gustin (via Twitter), the lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. It alleges, “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.”

"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." pic.twitter.com/1baIBvfNaN

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 26, 2023

Disney has reportedly argued that it is being “forced to defend itself against a State weaponizing its power to inflict political punishment.”

In the complaint, Disney outlines its argument and says the company is being "forced to defend itself against a State weaponizing its power to inflict political punishment." pic.twitter.com/zFrFBHiUNe

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 26, 2023

Disney also claims that it has “exhausted efforts to seek a resolution,” leaving them with “no choice but to file this lawsuit to protect its cast members, guests, and local development partners from a relentless campaign to weaponize government power.”

This is a developing story, so check back with us for the latest news.