ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney filed a lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday claiming the governor launched a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” against the company over differences of political opinion.
“…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 in retaliation for expressing a political viewpoint unpopular with certain State officials,” Disney writes in the lawsuit.
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The legal battle follows an ongoing fight between the governor and Central Florida’s largest single-site employer over the company’s statements against the state’s Parental Rights in Education law – known by critics as “don’t say gay.”
The law bans teaching sexual orientation and gender identity lessons in kindergarten through third grade but is now being expanded to 12th grade.
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The lawsuit states DeSantis’ actions were orchestrated as retaliation after theme park officials denounced the legislation.
“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,” the lawsuit states.
In February, DeSantis signed a law dissolving Disney World’s Reedy Creek Improvement District putting it under state control. The board was renamed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
Read: New Reedy Creek board looks to reverse control deal with Disney
In their final days of controlling the Reedy Creek improvement district’s board, Disney executives and attorneys found a way to poison the authority of the incoming members appointed by DeSantis and effectively oversee the area’s development.
On Wednesday, members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District voided the agreement between Disney and the district that gave Reedy Creek its power. That’s the move that triggered Disney to file their federal lawsuit in response.
Read: As Reedy Creek overcomes shock, attorneys say Disney deal could be in trouble
The lawsuit goes on to ask that the legislative declaration be deemed unlawful, asks for Disney’s property rights back, and asks for the state laws passed on independent special districts to be declared unlawful.
The governor’s office sent Channel 9 a statement, saying in part, “We are unaware of any legal right that a company has to operate its own government or maintain special privileges not held by other businesses in the state. This lawsuit is yet another unfortunate example of their hope to undermine the will of the Florida voters and operate outside the bounds of the law.”
Read: Power play: Disney handicapped new Reedy Creek board before handing over control
Attorney Jacob Schumer said while the state may feel confident with their chances in court, he believes Disney could take home the win.
“I think they have a strong argument, I think they’ve always had a strong argument,” Schumer said. “It’s really about whether they’ve wanted to bring it.”
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