Disney is suing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, claiming that he violated the constitutional rights of the media giant.
This is the most recent battle in an ongoing conflict between Disney and DeSantis, who has called Disney a “woke corporation” and worked with lawmakers to curtail its authority.
Disney and DeSantis
On January 11, state legislators sponsored the Parental Rights in Education Act (HB 1557), which prohibits lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools through the third grade. Its opponents immediately started calling it the “Don’t say gay” policy.
People demonstrated against Disney for not opposing HB 1557, which Florida state senators supported with a vote of 22–17. Bob Chapek, the CEO of Disney, contacted DeSantis to voice his dismay and anxiety.
- Disney is suing Florida Governor, claiming that he violated the constitutional rights of the media giant.
- The CEO of Disney, contacted DeSantis to voice his dismay and anxiety.
- Disney filed a lawsuit on April 26 after the DeSantis-appointed special district board declared Disney’s agreement invalid.
DeSantis criticized Chapek’s statement and promised to move forward with the education restrictions. Disney issued a sharper statement opposing the law, saying its goal is for it to be repealed or struck down in the courts.
The Reedy Creek special district was dissolved in April, leading to a “debt bomb” for local taxpayers. Protestors protested Disney’s failure to oppose HB 1557, which Florida state senators voted 22-17 in favor of.
Disney CEO Bob Chapek called DeSantis to express his disappointment and concern, and DeSantis promised to move forward with the education restrictions. In February, the outgoing supervisors signed a new agreement with Disney that stripped the board of power and handed significant authority directly to Disney.
DeSantis signed legislation that overhauled and renamed the special district and packed it with DeSantis donors and conservative activists.
Disney filed a lawsuit on April 26 after the DeSantis-appointed special district board declared Disney’s agreement invalid. DeSantis deemed the arrangement unlawful, demanded a state inquiry, and suggested further action.
