Disney sues Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis claiming retaliation, business damage

By Darren Lyn

HOUSTON, United States (AA) - The Walt Disney Co. filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, claiming retaliation and business damage from a proposed bill threatening to revoke the media and theme park company’s self-governing privileges.

"The Company is left 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 against Disney in retaliation for expressing a political viewpoint unpopular with certain State officials," it said in the filing.

Disney's move comes after DeSantis signed a bill in February that would strip the company of its self-governing authority, which the theme park has had for more than half a century.

The governor's push to remove the special Disney district materialized after the company publicly opposed the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, commonly known as the "Don't Say Gay Act," which bars instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through 12th grade. DeSantis signed the bill into law in March 2022.

The lawsuit alleges that the move was a targeted retaliation campaign "that was orchestrated at every step by Governor DeSantis as punishment for Disney’s protected speech" and "now threatens Disney’s business operations, jeopardizes its economic future in the region, and violates its constitutional rights."

Disney is one of the largest employers in the state with more than 75,000 workers.

"Disney regrets that it has come to this," the suit said, adding the company had exhausted all efforts to seek a resolution.

DeSantis has not yet responded to the filing.