Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Urges Disney to Drop Lawsuit Amidst Ongoing Feud

Republican presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is doubling down on his call for The Walt Disney Company to withdraw its lawsuit against him and state officials in an escalating dispute between the political figure and the entertainment behemoth. DeSantis delivered his stern warning to Disney, asserting that the company is poised to “lose” the legal battle it has embarked upon.

In a recent interview with CNBC, DeSantis expressed his viewpoint on the highly publicized feud that originated under the tenure of former Disney chief Bob Chapek. The governor offered a straightforward piece of advice for Disney’s current CEO Bob Iger: “Go back to what you did well, I think it’s going to be the right business decision.” DeSantis, who has been a vocal critic of Disney’s legal actions against the state of Florida, emphasized that the lawsuit was destined for failure, asserting, “They’re suing the state of Florida, they’re going to lose that lawsuit. So what I would say is drop the lawsuit.”

DeSantis underscored his belief that Disney’s public image had been tarnished by the ongoing dispute, expressing concern that parents have “lost some confidence” in the company’s alignment with their values. Despite his critique, DeSantis clarified that he and his wife maintain a positive history with Disney, having been married at Walt Disney World, and noted that they have “appreciated working with them over the years.”

The governor took the opportunity to highlight Florida’s thriving economy and business-friendly environment, suggesting that Disney could continue to thrive even without the special privileges it is suing to maintain. He called for a level playing field, asserting, “All we want to do is treat everybody the same and let’s move forward. I’m totally fine with that. But I’m not fine with giving extraordinary privileges to one special company at the exclusion of everybody else.”

The Walt Disney Co. has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding DeSantis’ statements.

The feud between Governor DeSantis and Disney originated in the aftermath of Florida’s controversial Parental Rights in Education law, colloquially known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. This legislation, which bans classroom instruction about gender identity or sexual orientation in lower grades, drew Disney’s public opposition. In response, DeSantis pushed for changes in the governance of Disney’s operations in the state.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S. Inc. responded with legal action, filing a lawsuit against DeSantis, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Meredith Ivey, and members of the newly created Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD). The lawsuit alleged violations of the company’s free speech rights and retaliation by government officials.

DeSantis has recently moved to dismiss the lawsuit, citing lack of merit and claiming immunity for the officials involved. As the legal battle unfolds, the dispute between Governor DeSantis and The Walt Disney Company continues to captivate attention, raising questions about the intersection of business interests and political maneuvering.