A U.S. federal judge has dismissed Walt Disney Co.’s lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other state officials, claiming retaliation after Disney criticized state restrictions on classroom discussions about sexuality. The judge ruled in favor of the defendants, arguing that Disney couldn’t sue over constitutionally enacted state laws.
The conflict arose when Disney opposed a state law restricting discussions on sexuality in classrooms. In response, Governor DeSantis, a critic of “woke Disney,” took actions such as appointing a new board and voiding contracts that favored Disney. The judge’s decision dismisses Disney’s claims of retaliation by the governor and state officials.