NEWS: Disney Files Appeal Following Federal Court’s Dismissal in DeSantis Lawsuit

The ongoing political conflict between The Walt Disney Company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently made headlines following a significant development that Disney fears could “set a dangerous precedent.”

Magic Kingdom

The conflict began in 2022 when Disney criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis’s Parental Rights in Education Act, commonly referred to as the Don’t Say Gay Bill. After Disney spoke out against the bill, the state took over a special district known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District and replaced the board members with DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District members. The new board teased potential changes in the District, and ultimately, both Disney and the District’s new Board of Supervisors filed lawsuits against each other. Now, we have an update on one of those lawsuits.

The Walt Disney Company’s lawsuit, which accused DeSantis of political retaliation, was recently dismissed by a federal judge. U.S. District Court Judge Allen Winsor granted Ron DeSantis’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit, prompting a response from Disney.

Reedy Creek Improvement District

On February 1st, 2024, The Walt Disney Co. appealed the judge’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit, per the Tampa Bay Times. Disney’s lawsuit argued that DeSantis and those within the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District took measures against Disney, which were seen as retaliation for Disney’s opposition to the Parental Rights in Education Act.

Reedy Creek Building (now Central Florida Tourism Oversight District)

Judge Allen Winsor ruled that Disney’s lawsuit against DeSantis lacked merit and standing and stated that although Disney did appear to be harmed by the district’s changes, there was no proof that it was a direct result of any actions by the state or governor. According to NBC, Disney responded with a statement reading,

“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.”

Walt Disney World

We will continue to follow this ongoing legal battle. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.