Global Courant 2023-04-26 21:24:22
walt disney co. on Wednesday sued Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, asking a court to overturn the state’s attempts to exert control over the company’s Walt Disney World theme parks in Orlando.
The action comes after the board of trustees appointed by DeSantis to oversee development in and around Walt Disney World in central Florida approved a legal opinion that invalidated an agreement that laid the foundation for billions of dollars in future development. of the theme park.
“The company has no choice but to file this lawsuit to protect its cast members, guests and local development partners from a brutal campaign to arm government power against Disney in retaliation for expressing a political position unpopular with certain state officials .” the company said in its lawsuit.
The ongoing effort by DeSantis and his supporters to exert control over Disney began last year after the company criticized a state law banning discussions of sexuality and gender identity in classrooms in schools.
Disney shares were little changed in market action on Wednesday.
People visit Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on April 22. (Ted Shaffrey, File/The Associated Press)
Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger has called the retaliation against the company “anti-business” and anti-Florida.” The company employs about 75,000 people in the state.
State Republicans targeted Disney last year after it publicly clashed with DeSantis, widely regarded as a 2024 presidential candidate.
Florida lawmakers passed legislation ending Disney’s virtual autonomy over the 25,000-acre development in central Florida, where the theme parks are located.
But before the takeover by DeSantis appointees, Disney pushed changes to the special tax district agreement that limited the board’s action for decades.
