Thrifty Banker
  • Politics
  • Business
  • World
  • Investing
  • Politics
  • Business
  • World
  • Investing

Thrifty Banker

Business

Disney drops all but free speech claim in political retaliation suit against DeSantis

by September 8, 2023
September 8, 2023
Disney drops all but free speech claim in political retaliation suit against DeSantis

Disney on Thursday amended its federal lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to focus solely on its First Amendment claim that the governor politically retaliated against the company.

Disney last week had asked to drop its other claims in the case, which concern a dispute over Walt Disney World’s development contracts, because they are being actively pursued in a separate state-level lawsuit in Florida.

“We will continue to fight vigorously to defend these contracts, because these agreements will determine whether or not Disney can invest billions of dollars and generate thousands of new jobs in Florida,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC.

The revision, which nixes four claims Disney had previously presented in the case, shrinks the company’s federal civil complaint to 48 pages, down from 84 in the prior version.

It’s the latest legal wrinkle in Disney’s two lawsuits stemming from its protracted battle with DeSantis that began last year, when the company publicly denounced the controversial classroom bill dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” by critics.

DeSantis has leaned into culture-war battles as governor and on the campaign trail as he seeks the Republican presidential nomination.

After Disney came out against the bill, which limits classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity, DeSantis and his allies targeted the special tax district that had allowed Disney to effectively self-govern its Orlando-area theme parks for decades. The governor signed measures changing the district’s name — from Reedy Creek Improvement District to Central Florida Tourism Oversight District — and replacing its five-member board of supervisors with his own picks.

Before the new board took charge, Disney crafted development contracts that it said were intended to secure its future investments in Florida. In April, the DeSantis board voted to nullify those contracts, prompting Disney to file its federal lawsuit.

The board countersued in state court in Orange County days later.

Following Disney’s latest amendment to its federal complaint, the board said it was “pleased that Disney backtracked on these legal claims against the district in their federal case.”

“Disney’s latest legal move puts them in line with the position of what the district has been advocating for months now: that these matters should be decided in state court. We hope this helps expedite justice for the people of Florida,” said Alexei Woltornist, a spokesman for the district, in a statement to CNBC.

In the state-level case, Disney has filed counterclaims — including a breach of contract claim — and is seeking damages against the board. Earlier Thursday, the board asked that court to dismiss Disney’s counterclaims.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS
0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
True North Copper
next post
Northern border sees migrant surge from dozens of countries; more than last 10 years combined

Related Posts

Shareholders push casinos to reassess indoor smoking

May 10, 2024

Netflix maintained its 2025 guidance. That may not...

April 21, 2025

Autoworkers go on strike at plants at each...

September 15, 2023

New sports bundle could give cord-cutting fans their...

February 8, 2024

Nintendo Switch 2 retail preorder to begin April...

April 21, 2025

Inflation expected to worsen in August because of...

September 13, 2023

Mack Trucks employees go on strike after rejecting...

October 10, 2023

Divided Fed proposes rule to ease capital requirements...

June 27, 2025

McDonald’s revenue disappoints, as U.S. sales see worst...

February 11, 2025

Fed Chair Jerome Powell says inflation has been...

May 15, 2024

    Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest insights, updates, and exclusive content straight to your inbox! Whether it's industry news, expert advice, or inspiring stories, we bring you valuable information that you won't find anywhere else. Stay connected with us!


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Popular

    • 1

      Strong Leach Recoveries and Low Impurities

      July 9, 2025
    • 2

      Waymo offers teen accounts for driverless rides

      July 9, 2025
    • 3

      Tesla asks shareholders to vote again on Musk’s $56 billion payout

      April 18, 2024
    • 4

      North Korea says it launched new ‘tactical nuclear attack’ submarine. South Korea doubts it works

      September 11, 2023
    • 5

      ‘This is a life-changing event’: Floridians start an arduous recovery as Idalia keeps thrashing North Carolina

      September 1, 2023
    • 6

      Eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano sends ash 11 miles high

      July 7, 2025
    • 7

      A GOP operative accused a monastery of voter fraud. Nuns fought back.

      January 3, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (1,069)
    • Investing (2,106)
    • Politics (2,977)
    • Uncategorized (20)
    • World (3,417)
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: thriftybanker.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 thriftybanker.com | All Rights Reserved