Walt Disney Company Files Lawsuit Against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for Alleged Government Retaliation

The Walt Disney Company has filed a lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, accusing him of engaging in a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” after the company publicly opposed a state law. The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in federal court.

DeSantis responded to the lawsuit Thursday, calling it politically motivated and saying it was time for Disney to stop enjoying favorable treatment in his state. The lawsuit is in response to DeSantis’ appointment of a board of supervisors in Disney’s self-governed theme park district.

The legal filing is the latest in a more than year-long feud between Disney and DeSantis. The governor has been criticized for his actions, as he prepares to launch an expected 2024 presidential bid. DeSantis responded to the lawsuit during a news conference in Jerusalem, calling it “political” and saying that Disney is “upset because they’re having to live by the same rules as everybody else.”

The lawsuit comes after Disney publicly opposed a law critics call, “Don’t Say Gay.” The law aimed to ban the discussion of LGBTQ issues in public schools. Disney’s lawsuit alleges that DeSantis’ actions were in retaliation for the company’s opposition to the law.

The lawsuit is the latest development in the ongoing feud between Disney and DeSantis. It remains to be seen how the case will play out, and what impact it will have on DeSantis’ political ambitions.