Walt Disney Co. Files Lawsuit Against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Alleging Retaliation and Unconstitutional Actions

Walt Disney Co. has filed a lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, alleging that he has launched a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” against the entertainment giant. The complaint, which was filed on Wednesday, accuses DeSantis of stifling constitutionally protected free speech and undertaking subsequent actions that are “patently retaliatory, patently anti-business, and patently unconstitutional.”

The lawsuit alleges that DeSantis, in response to Disney’s criticism of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, has engaged in a retaliatory effort that “threatens Disney’s business operations, jeopardizes its economic future in the region, and violates its constitutional rights.” Disney noted in the complaint that the company has had an “immeasurable impact” on Florida and its economy.

In addition to the lawsuit, reports have emerged that DeSantis is preparing to jump into the presidential fray as soon as mid-May. Four GOP operatives familiar with the conversations told NBC News that some of DeSantis’ backers are urging him to declare as early as May 11, in an effort to counter the creeping national narrative that former President Donald Trump is the overwhelming front-runner for the 2024 GOP nomination. It is expected that DeSantis will launch an exploratory committee, with the official launch coming soon after.

The lawsuit and DeSantis’ potential presidential bid come at a time when Florida is facing a number of challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. It remains to be seen how the lawsuit and DeSantis’ potential presidential bid will impact the state and its citizens.