The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District on Wednesday argued against a lawsuit brought about by Disney against it, Governor DeSantis, and other Florida leaders. Lawyers for the district argued that the court should either abstain from or dismiss the federal lawsuit.
The district believe’s that Disney’s accusations that its First Ammendment rights were violated are “meritless.” Instead, lawyers for the district argue that this is a case about the district which governs Walt Disney World Resort.
“The Constitution … does not entitle Disney to a local government that functions essentially as the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, nor does it grant Disney a right to undermine the State’s attempt to end that corrupting arrangement,” the lawyers wrote.
This argument is similar to one that Governor Ron DeSantis has pivoted too after initially lashing out at Disney for disagreeing with him over legislation. Governor DeSantis also filed for a dismissal of the case of the suit or that he should be dropped from the lawsuit.
The lawsuit was filed in April by Disney which accused Governor DeSantis and other Florida leaders of a “targeted campaign of government retaliation.” Governor DeSantis is accused of retaliating against Disney for speaking out against the Parental Rights in Education Act, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
At this point, Disney has not commented on the most recent requests by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and Governor DeSantis.
The feud between Disney and Governor DeSantis has continued on since it began last year. Following Disney speaking out, Governor DeSantis initially began by verbally speaking out against “woke Disney” and saying “there is a new sheriff in town.” This was followed by the dissolution of the former Reedy Creek Improvement District and then its replacement with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The new district is governed by board members that were chosen by Governor DeSantis.
Daps Magic will continue to follow this story and lawsuit and provide updates as they become available.
