The Disney-DeSantis feud is far from over.
Disney vs. DeSantis
After a federal judge dismissed Disney’s case accusing the governor and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District of political retaliation, Disney filed an appeal to the decision. It seems we haven’t heard the last of this lawsuit, though DeSantis might wish we had.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke at a news conference in Jacksonville, Florida on February 1st, and shared his thoughts on Disney’s appeal.
“They should move on,” said DeSantis. He continued, “This company took control of the local government, which is not good government.”
Obtained via ClickOrlando Livestream
The notice of appeal was filed on February 1st, just one day after the judge’s decision came down. US District Court Judge Allen Winsor said that Disney’s free-speech suit against DeSantis “lacked merit and standing.”
He continued that while Disney did appear to be harmed by the changes, it could not prove the harm “was a direct result of any actions by the state or governor.”
©Governor Ron DeSantis Website
Richard Foglesong, a Rollins College professor emeritus who penned Married to the Mouse: Walt Disney World and Orlando, told Fortune, “Maybe Disney should go back to lobbying and writing checks.
“As the judge’s ruling shows, they erred in using the courts to resolve a political question,” he continued. “Everyone knows the Legislature’s act was retaliatory toward Disney. It just wasn’t provable by legal standards.”
Cinderella Castle
Disney shared a statement following their appeal:
“This is an important case with serious implications for the rule of law, and it will not end here. If left unchallenged, this would set a dangerous precedent and give license to states to weaponize their official powers to punish the expression of political viewpoints they disagree with. We are determined to press forward with our case.”
©Disney | Walt Disney Company Headquarters
We’ll continue to keep an eye on this situation as it continues to unfold — be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest!
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As if Little Ronnie would have moved had he lost.
He started it and Disney will finish it!
Disney should move on, only after it has crushed Ron Meatball, under its thumb and forced the State of Florida, to pay Disney billions of dollars in damages, to the point, it bankrupts the State of Florida, and Ron Meatball (personally). It is my hope, that in 5 years, people, across the world, consider Ron Meatball, as Disney’s greatest villain.
Disney should pay taxes just like every other business