• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Editor's Pick Disney sues Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over control of self-governing district
Editor's Pick

Disney sues Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over control of self-governing district

by April 27, 2023
by April 27, 2023 0 comment
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

The Walt Disney Co. on Wednesday filed a lawsuit in federal court against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other officials alleging a ‘targeted campaign of government retaliation’ after the company publicly opposed a state law that critics call ‘Don’t Say Gay.’

Disney and DeSantis have been embroiled in a feud over Walt Disney World’s self-governing privileges in the Orlando area, which the possible Republican presidential contender has threatened to revoke. The corporation is one of the state’s largest employers and a key driver of tourism.

The power struggle started when Disney, under then-CEO Bob Chapek, criticized the Florida government for a state education law that opponents have dubbed ‘Don’t Say Gay.’ DeSantis signed the bill into law in March 2022 amid growing speculation that he might challenge former President Donald Trump for the 2024 GOP nomination.

Disney’s lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, dramatically escalates the fight. The company alleges that a retaliation campaign 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 regrets that it has come to this,’ the company said in the first section of the lawsuit. ‘But having exhausted efforts to seek a resolution, 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.’

In a statement to NBC News, a spokesperson for DeSantis said: ‘We are unaware of any legal right that a company has to operate its own government or maintain special privileges not held by 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.’

The California-based corporation announced it had filed suit just minutes after a local governing board appointed by the conservative governor passed a resolution to void an agreement that allowed the Walt Disney World theme park and resort to keep control over much of its business operations in Florida.

‘Disney was openly and legally granted a unique and special privilege, that privilege of running its own local government,’ Alan Lawson, a former Florida Supreme Court justice whose firm was hired by the DeSantis-appointed board, said during the board meeting. ‘That era is ending.’

The Walt Disney Co. and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have been feuding for months.NBC News; Getty Images

How Disney and DeSantis got here

The legislation at the root of the conflict, the Florida Parental Rights in Education law, bans classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades. Chapek, the former Disney CEO, publicly criticized the legislation last year after employees and LGBTQ advocates pressed him to take a more forceful stand.

In response, Florida assumed control of Disney World’s self-governing district and tapped a new board of supervisors that would oversee the special tax district that encompasses the theme park and resort property.

Disney then fired back at the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board with an agreement that essentially stripped the supervisors of their power.

The board said earlier Wednesday that Disney’s move to keep control over its property was unlawful.

Disney ousted Chapek in late November and replaced him with a familiar face: Bob Iger, who ran the entertainment conglomerate for 15 years and had stepped aside in the early days of the pandemic.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS
You Might Also Like
  • Walmart will likely raise some prices if Trump tariffs take effect, CFO says
  • Delta says Hollywood and auto strikes are denting business travel
  • Art created autonomously by AI can’t be copyrighted, federal appeals court rules
  • Waiting for your tax refund? There are other ways to get cash back all year long
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
Minnesota lawmakers eye pre-registering 16, 17-year-olds to vote
next post
First Republic’s stock sinks as analysts monitor banking sector stress, despite some improvements

You may also like

Tesla is the new meme stock, according to one billionaire...

July 11, 2024

Inflation vs. wages: How rising prices stack up against growing...

June 27, 2024

Argentine President Milei faces impeachment calls for promoting cryptocurrency that...

February 19, 2025

Barcelona protesters throw items and spray travelers with water while...

July 10, 2024

Art Cashin, New York Stock Exchange fixture for decades, dies...

December 3, 2024

UAW, U.S. dealers increase criticism of Stellantis CEO over cuts,...

September 13, 2024

SEC dropping crypto lawsuit, Coinbase says

February 22, 2025

Sateliot and Sentrisense Launch New Space Technology to Turn Power...

February 13, 2023

Patriots owner says ‘Jew hatred’ on U.S. college campuses parallels...

April 27, 2024

PacWest falls more than 20% as regional bank stocks slide...

May 4, 2023

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Krispy Kreme stock plunges after doughnut chain pauses McDonald’s rollout, pulls outlook

      May 8, 2025
    • Don’t Buy Robinhood Stock… Until You See This Chart Setup

      May 8, 2025
    • UnitedHealthcare sued by shareholders over reaction to CEO’s killing

      May 8, 2025
    • The Unpredictable Stock Market: How to Make Sense of It

      May 8, 2025
    • AMD CEO calls China a ‘large opportunity’ and warns against strict U.S. chip controls

      May 7, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,632 views
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,339 views
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 2,320 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,302 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,186 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,066)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,530)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • Krispy Kreme stock plunges after doughnut chain pauses McDonald’s rollout,...

      May 8, 2025
    • Don’t Buy Robinhood Stock… Until You See This Chart Setup

      May 8, 2025
    • UnitedHealthcare sued by shareholders over reaction to CEO’s killing

      May 8, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,066)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,530)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    Taxpayers are getting about $360 less...

    April 4, 2023

    Semtech Unveils New Brand Reflecting Company’s...

    March 10, 2023

    The U.S. labor market is shifting...

    May 4, 2024
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here