Disney dropped the vast majority of its claims in a suit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, citing an “enacted political retaliation” policy. The suit alleged that DeSantis had illegally retaliated against the company for its past political positions, but the claims were narrowed down earlier this month.
The lawsuit, filed in September 2020, accused DeSantis of enacting a “political retaliation” policy that targeted Disney and other companies. Disney argued that this policy was implemented after the company and its subsidiaries donated to the political campaigns of officials other than DeSantis.
The company alleges that the punishment for political dissent was a hike in taxes related to Disney’s theme park tickets, making it much more expensive for customers. Additionally, Disney claimed it has experienced delays in approving projects related to Disney’s theme park expansion in Orlando.
DeSantis has denied the claims, arguing that Disney has not been treated any differently than other companies in Florida. He also argued that the policy was enacted for the purpose of preventing fraud and preserving tax revenue, not to punish the company for political dissent.
Disney recently dropped all but one claim—a First Amendment free speech claim—from its suit. The change comes after a federal judge ruled against Disney in a motion to dismiss the suit, saying that the political retaliation claims were “too broad”.
The case is set to move forward, with both parties engaging in the discovery process. While there is still much to be seen on the remaining free speech claim, it appears that Disney has dropped the case down from what could have been a lengthy and complex legal battle to just a single claim.
Regardless of what transpires over the course of this case, this much is certain: companies now have an example to look to in regards to taking their political positions and, as Disney’s story reveals, the consequences they are willing to face by voicing their dissent.