U.S. Judge Dismisses Disney’s Lawsuit Against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Over Free-Speech Dispute

In breaking news, a U.S. judge has dismissed the lawsuit filed by Walt Disney Co. against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and members of a state board. The legal action, initiated in April 2023, alleged that Florida’s government was retaliating against Disney for criticizing state-imposed limits on classroom discussions about sexuality.

Disney’s lawsuit argued that the state’s actions amounted to an infringement on the company’s free-speech rights. However, U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor in Tallahassee, Florida, ruled that Disney lacked the standing to sue the governor or the secretary of commerce. Judge Winsor also rejected Disney’s free-speech claims.

DeSantis’ press secretary, Jeremy Redfern, applauded the decision, stating, “The federal court’s decision made it clear that Governor DeSantis was correct: Disney is still just one of many corporations in the state, and they do not have a right to their own special government.”

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The legal dispute originated when Disney criticized a classroom ban on discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation, often referred to as the “Don’t say gay” law by opponents. Governor DeSantis, in response, launched public attacks on what he termed “woke Disney” as part of his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination.

State lawmakers subsequently took action against Disney, stripping the company of its control over the special development district that had granted Disney virtual autonomy around its theme parks, including the Walt Disney World Resort, since 1967. The newly formed, DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board (CFTOD) then voided contracts that Disney had pushed through just before the prior board was replaced.

Disney responded to these actions by suing the governor and board members. However, Judge Winsor rejected Disney’s claims against DeSantis and the state’s Secretary of Commerce. The judge found that the company failed to demonstrate that DeSantis had “actual control” over the board and “struggled to articulate an injury” caused by the secretary.

Judge Winsor highlighted that Disney would face the same situation even if the court enjoined future appointments since the supervisors had already been appointed. “It would be operating under the control of the CFTOD board, over which it has no control.”

The new board has separately sought a state judge’s declaration that prior agreements, which were favorable to Disney and limited board action for decades, are improper and void. This case is still pending. Additionally, a report issued by the new board in early December alleged that Disney provided the previous board and its employees with millions of dollars’ worth of tickets, discounted hotel stays, and other benefits, which were described as “akin to bribes of public officials.”

Disney shares ended down 0.9% at $96.05 a share on Wednesday.

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