“Disney Faces Lawsuit as Florida Governor Takes Over Board”

Disney is facing a legal battle in Florida as Gov. Ron DeSantis tries to take over a board that oversees Walt Disney World. The governor’s appointees have asked a judge to rule in their favor without a trial. This lawsuit is one of two stemming from the takeover, with Disney also alleging that DeSantis violated their free speech rights. Last month, the judge refused Disney’s request to dismiss the case. The feud between DeSantis and Disney began when the company publicly opposed a state law banning classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity. MIKE SCHNEIDER reported

A Tuesday court filing by Governor Ron DeSantis’ appointees argues that a Florida judge should rule in favor of them and against Disney without the need for a trial. The appointees, who are members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, are requesting a summary judgment on five out of the nine counts in their case. This legal battle stems from Disney’s opposition to the “Don’t Say Gay” legislation supported by DeSantis and Republican lawmakers, which led to DeSantis taking over the board that oversees Walt Disney World.

The appointees accuse Disney of wrongfully taking away their powers over design and construction at Disney World when the company made agreements with previous board members who were more supportive of Disney. They argue that the previous board failed to provide proper notice, lacked authority, and unlawfully delegated government authority to a private entity. Last month, the judge in the state court case rejected Disney’s request to dismiss the lawsuit.

The conflict between DeSantis and Disney began when the company publicly opposed a state law that banned classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades. In response, DeSantis retaliated by taking over the district through legislation and appointing a new board of supervisors to oversee the theme parks and hotels. However, the authority of the new supervisors was limited by the agreements Disney had with the previous board. To address this, DeSantis and Florida lawmakers passed legislation to repeal those agreements.

DeSantis has used his feud with Disney as a talking point in his campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, criticizing the company for being too “woke.” Meanwhile, Disney has accused DeSantis of violating its First Amendment rights. In a recent interview with CNBC, DeSantis called on Disney to drop the lawsuit, claiming that he and his allies have moved on from the dispute.

Overall, the case between DeSantis’ appointees and Disney is ongoing, with both sides presenting their arguments in court. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the governance of Walt Disney World..