A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed Walt Disney’s lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and state board members over allegations the company retaliated after criticizing the state for restricting classroom discussions about sex, according to a court filing. .
“This is an important case with serious implications for the rule of law and it will not end here,” a Disney spokesman said.
“If left unchallenged, this will set a dangerous precedent and allow states to weaponize their official powers to punish the expression of political views with which they disagree. We are determined to continue to press our case.”
DeSantis and other defendants had urged U.S. District Judge Ellen Windsor in Tallahassee, Florida, to dismiss the case because Disney could not sue them under constitutional state law.
The controversy began over Disney’s criticism of a ban on classroom discussions that opponents called a “don’t say gay” law. As DeSantis prepared to run for the Republican presidential nomination, he began repeatedly attacking what he called “woke Disney” in public appearances, but he abandoned that effort earlier this month.
State lawmakers stripped Disney of control of the Special Development District, which since 1967 has given the company virtual autonomy around its theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort.
The newly created region appointed by DeSantis, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight Commission, later invalidated the contract that Disney had passed before the previous commission was replaced.
Disney responded by suing the governor and board members, accusing them of punishing the company for political speech.
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The new board fought back, asking a state court judge to declare previous agreements, which favored Disney and limited the board’s actions for decades, inappropriate and invalid. The case is still pending.
Disney allegedly provided millions of dollars worth of tickets, discounts on hotel stays and other benefits “similar to bribes to public officials” to the former board of directors and its employees, according to a report released by the new board in early December.
