Disney is Suing Desantis? Why is Florida suing Disney World? Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis may say he’s “moved on” from his long-running feud with Disney, but the House of Mouse isn’t easing up. Disney has filed counterclaims, including a breach of contracts claim, against the board of supervisors picked by DeSantis to oversee Walt Disney World’s special tax district, a Thursday court filing shows.

The company seeks damages over the alleged breach, as well as a court order for the district to comply with development contracts that are at the heart of the legal fight between Disney and DeSantis. Disney’s requests came in a 55-page filing denying the district board’s allegations in its state-level lawsuit against the entertainment giant. Disney’s filing also put forward 12 “affirmative defenses” against the board, including that it lacks standing for its claims.

Spokespeople for the board and Disney did not immediately respond to CNBC’s requests for comment.

Disney is Suing Desantis?

Yes, DeSantis is being sued by Disney. Disney sued Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in federal court in April 2023, claiming that DeSantis disbanded Disney’s special governing district as retaliation for the business opposing his “Don’t Say Gay” statute.

The “Don’t Say Gay” bill, also known as the Parental Rights in Education bill, forbids the discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation in Florida public school classes from kindergarten through third grade. Disney CEO Bob Chapek initially opposed the legislation, but later expressed regret after receiving criticism from staff members and LGBTQ+ activists.

Chapek’s apology prompted DeSantis to enact legislation dissolving the Reedy Creek Improvement District, a unique governance body that had been in charge of Disney World since 1967. In June 2023, the district will officially dissolve.

Disney’s complaint asserts that DeSantis’ retaliation against the business for its statements violates the company’s First Amendment rights. DeSantis allegedly violated the company’s right to due process by dissolving the Reedy Creek Improvement District without providing the required notice or an opportunity for a hearing, according to the lawsuit.

The litigation is still pending, and its outcome is still up in the air. However, the case has brought up crucial issues regarding the First Amendment and the authority of government figures to take legal action against businesses for making criticisms of them.

Why is Florida suing Disney World?

Disney World is not being sued by Florida. In actuality, the roles are reversed. Florida is being sued by Disney.

Disney filed a federal lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in April 2023, claiming that DeSantis disbanded Disney’s special governing district as retaliation for Disney opposing his “Don’t Say Gay” statute.

The “Don’t Say Gay” bill, also known as the Parental Rights in Education bill, forbids the discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation in Florida public school classes from kindergarten through third grade. Disney CEO Bob Chapek initially opposed the legislation, but later expressed regret after receiving criticism from staff members and LGBTQ+ activists.

Chapek’s apology prompted DeSantis to enact legislation dissolving the Reedy Creek Improvement District, a unique governance body that had been in charge of Disney World since 1967. In June 2023, the district will officially dissolve.

Disney’s complaint asserts that DeSantis’ retaliation against the business for its statements violates the company’s First Amendment rights. DeSantis allegedly violated the company’s right to due process by dissolving the Reedy Creek Improvement District without providing the required notice or an opportunity for a hearing, according to the lawsuit.

The litigation is still pending, and its outcome is still up in the air. However, the case has brought up crucial issues regarding the First Amendment and the authority of government figures to take legal action against businesses for making criticisms of them.

What would happen if Disney left Florida?

The state’s economy and tourist sector would be significantly impacted if Disney departed Florida. Disney employs a sizable number of people in Florida, and millions of people visit its theme parks each year.

Disney’s departure would cause the state to lose a lot of jobs and money. In Florida, Disney today employs over 75,000 people, and its theme parks bring in billions of dollars annually.

The tourism sector in Florida would suffer if Disney were to close. One of the most well-known tourist sites in the world, Disney World welcomes millions of people each year. Florida would lose a significant source of tourism income without Disney World.

Florida’s loss of Disney would not only have an economic impact, but also a cultural one. Disney is a significant component of Florida culture, and its theme parks are well-liked destinations for both locals and visitors.

Overall, Florida’s economy, tourism sector, and culture would suffer greatly with the loss of Disney.

The effects of Disney leaving Florida are illustrated below in more detail:

• Loss of jobs: Disney, one of Florida’s major employers, employs over 75,000 workers in its amusement parks. These employment would all be lost if Disney left Florida.
• Revenue loss: Disney’s theme parks bring in billions of dollars annually. Florida would lose out on that revenue if Disney departed.
• Disney World, one of the most well-known tourist sites worldwide, has a negative impact on tourism. Millions of people visit it every year. Florida would lose a significant source of tourism income without Disney World.
• Disney has a significant cultural impact on Florida, and both locals and visitors enjoy visiting its theme parks. Florida would lose a significant cultural institution without Disney World.

It’s vital to keep in mind that these are but a few possible effects of Disney leaving Florida. The precise effect would rely on a variety of variables, including Disney’s choice of new location and the state of Florida’s response to the company’s departure.

Has anyone sued Disney and won? 

Yes, there have been a few instances where individuals or businesses have successfully sued Disney. Here are a few illustrations:

• Disney was ordered to pay Peggy Lee in 1990 due to their production of a videocassette version of Lady and the Tramp. Lee alleged that Disney had broken their contract by distributing the videocassette version without her consent because she had recorded the songs for the original movie.
• Who Wants to Be a Millionaire creator Celador International won a legal battle against Disney in 2010. Disney, according to Celador, broke their contract by underreporting the show’s earnings and failing to pay the proper amount of royalties to the company.
• Scarlett Johansson filed a lawsuit against Disney in 2023 over their plan to simultaneously distribute Black Widow in theaters and on Disney+. Johansson asserted that this action violated the terms of her contract, which depended on how well the movie did at the box office. She prevailed in the action and received a $40 million settlement as payment.

These are just a few instances where individuals or businesses successfully sued Disney. It is significant to remember that every case is unique, and a lawsuit’s outcome will depend on the particular facts and circumstances of the case.