Disney sues DeSantis in Florida over 'retaliation'
Disney on Wednesday sued Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, alleging his administration's takeover of its theme park district in the state is part of "a targeted campaign of government retaliation" for exercising its constitutionally protected right to free speech. The move is the latest salvo in an increasingly bitter fight between the entertainment giant and DeSantis, a Republican presidential hopeful for the 2024 election who has denounced Disney as a "woke" corporation – a call aimed at pleasing his right-wing supporters. The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Florida, names DeSantis and other members of the conservative governor's administration. "A targeted campaign of government retaliation – orchestrated at every step by Governor DeSantis as punishment for Disney's protected speech – now threatens Disney's business operations, jeopardizes its economic future in the region, and violates its constitutional rights," it says. Disney attracted the governor's ire last year after it criticized a law banning school lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity – the so-called "Don't Say Gay" law. DeSantis seized control of Walt Disney World's self-governing district in February, and has openly mused about hiking taxes on the company, imposing seemingly punitive safety inspections and even building a prison next to the theme park. On Wednesday, a DeSantis-appointed panel voted to vacate agreements that gave Disney effective powers of self-governance at its huge complex near Orlando, which employs 75,000 people and attracts 50 million visitors annually, including many from around the world, bringing billions of dollars into the Sunshine State's economy. Moments later, the company hit back. "There is no room for disagreement about what happened here: Disney expressed its opinion on state legislation and was then punished by the State for doing so," the filing says. "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. "Disney... knows that it is fortunate to have the resources to take a stand against the State's retaliation – a stand smaller businesses and individuals might not be able to take when the State comes after them for expressing their own views. "In America, the government cannot punish you for speaking your mind." (AFP)