Disney Files Another Lawsuit Against DeSantis' Oversight Board

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Facts

  • While Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he's "moved on" from the legal feud with Disney, the company has now reportedly filed counterclaims — including a breach of contracts claim against the board of supervisors picked by DeSantis to oversee Walt Disney World’s special tax district.1
  • Disney says that while the land use agreement it had with the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which was voided by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), is under a new name, it's still legally the same organization. Accordingly, Disney says the agreement should be abided by under the new contract.2
  • The company also argues that the CFTOD, which was given broad powers to oversee construction on Disney's land, has rendered it "powerless," and was established in violation of Florida law. It's also seeking an unspecified quantity in damages and is asking the court to declare its original agreement legal.3
  • This comes after Disney last month lost a bid in state court to dismiss the CFTOD's case against it, with an attempt by DeSantis and the board to dismiss a federal case still awaiting a ruling.1
  • The Florida legislature initially eliminated the special district before backtracking over fears it would burden taxpayers. They instead overhauled the district and replaced its board with DeSantis' nominees, who, after discovering the Reedy Creek agreement chose to nullify it.3
  • DeSantis, whose actions regarding social issues like this have helped raise his profile nationally, has cited Disney's embrace of "woke" issues for taking aim at the company. The governor alleges that the company is sexualizing children, an accusation Disney CEO Bob Iger called "preposterous."1

Sources: 1CNBC, 2CINEMABLEND, and 3Forbes.

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by Vox. Disney is rightly fighting back against the authoritarian impulses of DeSantis, who has repeatedly weaponized Florida’s government to infringe on Disney’s First Amendment rights. The presidential hopeful has tied his political identity to fighting the absurdly characterized “woke” corporation. However, his real identity is his prejudice against LGBTQ+ people, as seen by his discriminatory laws. DeSantis cannot force Disney to abide.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by American Greatness. Disney has been badly losing its battle against DeSantis, and it will continue to do so. Not only does the corporation not have a moral ground to stand on, but it also lacks any legal argument for its ability to defy state law. Disney is shamefully committed to indoctrinating children with inappropriate content. Its behavior should not be rewarded with undeserved corporate welfare.