Walt Disney Co is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a state oversight board in Florida as part of its ongoing legal battle with Governor Ron DeSantis. The lawsuit, filed by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, aims to invalidate alleged “backroom deals” that favored Disney and violated state law. Disney is also pursuing its own lawsuit against the governor in federal court, claiming that DeSantis “weaponized” state government against the company. The feud between Disney and DeSantis began last year when Disney criticized a Florida law banning discussions of sexuality and gender identity in classrooms. DeSantis rallied lawmakers to pass bills that reconstituted the oversight district and transferred power over the board to the governor. Disney argues that the district’s lawsuit should be dismissed since its agreements with the prior board were nullified by the state. A ruling in Disney’s favor would allow the company to focus on its federal case, which alleges a violation of its constitutional right to free speech. The oversight district, however, argues that if the judge determines the Disney agreements are invalid, it would undermine Disney’s claims in the federal case. The district is requesting that its case be allowed to proceed.
What are the main allegations made by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District against Walt Disney Co in their lawsuit?
Walt Disney Co is fighting back against a lawsuit filed by a Florida oversight board, as part of its ongoing battle with Governor Ron DeSantis. The lawsuit, brought by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, aims to challenge alleged “backroom deals” that favored Disney and went against state law. In response, Disney has launched its own lawsuit against the governor in federal court, accusing DeSantis of using the state government against the company.
This feud between Disney and DeSantis dates back to last year when Disney criticized a Florida law that banned discussions of sexuality and gender identity in classrooms. DeSantis then rallied lawmakers to pass bills that restructured the oversight district and gave the governor more power over the board. Disney maintains that the district’s lawsuit should be dismissed as its previous agreements with the board were invalidated by the state. A ruling in Disney’s favor would enable the company to focus on its federal case, which claims a violation of its constitutional right to free speech.
However, the oversight district argues that if the judge deems the Disney agreements invalid, it would weaken Disney’s claims in the federal case. The district is requesting that its lawsuit be allowed to proceed. Both sides are eager for a resolution in this ongoing dispute.
It’s understandable that Walt Disney Co is looking to dismiss this lawsuit, as the feud with the Florida Governor only hampers both parties’ ability to focus on recovery and cooperation during these challenging times. Let’s hope they find a way to resolve their differences amicably.