It’s front-facing public persona is one of an avuncluar, family-friendly organisation – which of course it is – but Disney certainly isn’t a company to pick a fight with, as Florida governor and wannabe United States President Ron DeSantis has recently found out. In response to his decision to exert control over Walt Disney World and its Orlando theme parks, the House of Mouse has countered with a law suit.
Disney has sued Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of Florida and presumed challenger for the Republican presidential nomination. The entertainment giant wants a court to overturn state efforts to exert control over the Walt Disney World theme parks in Orlando.
DeSantis moved against self-governing powers long granted to Disney after it opposed his so-called “don’t say gay” laws, concerning the teaching of gender and LGBTQ+ issues in Florida schools. In response, Disney passed covenants keeping such powers out of the hands of a board appointed by DeSantis.
The governor said he would fight back, and joked with reporters about perhaps building a new state prison close to the Disney World park.
On Wednesday, a board he appointed voted to nullify Disney’s moves to reassert control. Disney then filed suit.
DeSantis has sustained political damage from the fight, including a major donor citing it as a reason for pausing donations.
