The Facts
Walt Disney Co. sued Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday, alleging the Republican has waged a “relentless campaign to weaponize government power” against the company amid a long-standing battle sparked by DeSantis’ bill limiting discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity with school children.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court after a DeSantis-appointed board tasked with overseeing Disney’s special taxing district voted to invalidate an agreement struck between Disney and the now-dissolved board last February.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Disney is rightly fighting back against authoritarian governor Ron DeSantis who has repeatedly weaponized Florida’s government to infringe on Disney’s First Amendment rights. The potential presidential hopeful has tied his political identity to fighting the absurdly characterized “woke” corporation, but his real identity is his prejudice against LGBTQ+ people, as seen by his discriminatory laws. DeSantis cannot force Disney to abide.
Republican narrative
Disney has been badly losing its battle against DeSantis, and it will continue to do so. Not only does the corporation not have a moral ground to stand on, but it also lacks any legal argument for its ability to defy state law. Disney is shamefully committed to indoctrinating children with inappropriate content. Its behavior should not be rewarded with undeserved corporate welfare.
