Why Disney And Florida’s Governor Are At War

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The company and the governor have been at loggerheads since Disney criticized a state education law. Walt Disney World employs about 75,000 people in Florida Getty Images via BBC Disney is accusing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis of mounting a campaign of “government retaliation” in a lawsuit. The new legal action escalates the battle between the entertainment giant and the Republican politician, seen as a strong competitor for the White House. They are waging a war of affidavits and lawsuits, in a row that began after Disney criticized a state law banning discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in elementary schools. Disney is now suing Florida after state officials overturned a settlement involving the company’s theme park in the state. The company said DeSantis’ moves to take control of its operations threatened its business and violated its constitutional rights. The company asks the courts to prevent the state government from annulling the agreement. “Disney regrets that everything has come to this point,” the company’s parks division said in the lawsuit, filed in federal court in Florida. Disney Begins New Round of Layoffs “But having exhausted efforts to seek a resolution, the company has no choice but to file this lawsuit to protect its members, guests and local development partners from a relentless campaign to arm government power against Disney in retaliation for expressing a political opinion that is unpopular with certain state officials.” DeSantis — who is currently abroad on a round-the-world trip — argues that the state’s measures are to remove special perks for the company that are no longer in the public interest. At one point, he said the state would not “bow down to ‘woke’ California executives.” (The term ‘woke’ can be used as an insult by some, while others proudly define themselves as someone woke, or aware of discrimination and injustice. Learn more about the term here) “We are not aware of any legal rights that a company has to operate its own government or maintain special privileges not granted to other companies in the state,” its director of communications, Taryn Fenske, said in response to the suit. “The lawsuit is yet another unfortunate example of their attempt to go against the will of Florida voters and operate outside the bounds of the law.” DeSantis is seen as a potential Republican candidate for the US presidency Getty Images via BBC What’s behind the fight? The feud with Disney — which opened Walt Disney World in Florida in 1971 and is one of the state’s largest employers — has raised DeSantis’s profile, in the context in which he is widely viewed as a potential Republican candidate for the US presidency. He backed measures such as a ban on abortion after six weeks and a law banning discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity for students under ten. The state expanded the ban to more age groups this month. Disney criticized that law last year after coming under pressure from its employees. After that, Florida state legislators voted to restructure the special district that had been created more than 50 years ago to oversee land development around Disney World, which includes four theme parks, dozens of hotels and entertainment venues. The changes gave DeSantis the power to appoint members to the district’s board of directors, removing that authority from landowners in the 100 square kilometer district. Disney is the biggest owner. “There’s a new sheriff in town,” declared DeSantis of the change. Before the new board was installed, however, Disney reached a last-minute agreement outlining the scope of development in the district and giving Disney the right to review any changes to properties within its boundaries. The contract limited the new board’s powers and included terms valid in perpetuity or until “21 years after the death of the last survivor of the descendants of King Charles 3rd, King of England”. DeSantis said he is considering a range of new measures, including new taxes, tolls and even the opening of a state prison near the parks. Bob Iger, who runs the Walt Disney Company, called DeSantis’ fight with the company “anti-business” and “anti-Florida.” In the filing, the company said it plans to invest $17 billion in Walt Disney World over the next decade, noting that “development and investment of this magnitude cannot effectively occur when it can be nullified or undermined by the whim of new political leadership.” He said approval of the latest development deal came with adequate public notice, including in a local newspaper. Michael Allan Wolf, professor of law and expert on local government and property law at the University of Florida, said that “what the governor and the legislature have done has had a cumulative effect” and stated that “we should not be surprised that Disney is reacting”. Wolf said the company appears to have a strong case – and points out that other companies are watching to see how the dispute plays out. “One can genuinely ask … will other companies make the same kind of investment to realize ambitious visions in the state of Florida if they no longer have the assurance that the state will one day pull the rug out from under them?” he said. The Disney feud appears to be at odds with traditional conservative views against government interference in commercial rights, which has drawn criticism from some Republicans of DeSantis. Former US President Donald Trump, who may be challenged by DeSantis to become the Republican presidential nominee, said the governor was “outdone, deceived and embarrassed by Mickey Mouse”. Meet the Disney Treasure, a cruise ship that will be delivered in 2024 (see video below): Disney announces a new cruise ship that will be delivered in 2024 Remember the opening of Disney parks October 1st is the anniversary of Disney World theme parks in Florida, in the US How to get a passport See how to get a passport

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