The showdown continues in Florida. Disney filed a lawsuit Wednesday, April 26 against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, likening the measures of the tenor of the American hard right, who ended the special status of the company in his state, to a campaign of "targeted revenge" against the group.

A major employer in this southern state with its Disney World theme park in Orlando, the entertainment giant was recently sanctioned by Ron DeSantis for defending progressive positions. The governor, a potential candidate for the White House, has made the fight against "wokism" one of his main hobbyhorses.

In its complaint, Walt Disney Parks and Resort accuses Ron DeSantis of orchestrating a "campaign" to carry out "targeted government revenge" against him, to punish him for exercising his "freedom of expression". This "now threatens Disney's business operations, jeopardizes its economic future in the region and violates its constitutional rights," the company argues.

The group had drawn the wrath of the governor by denouncing a bill that restricted the teaching of topics related to sexual orientation in Florida elementary schools.

See also Disney criticizes a Florida law deemed anti-LGBT +, the state sanctions the group

"Retaliation"

Since then, DeSantis in February removed Disney's special status in his state, ending the benefits Disney World has enjoyed since the 1960s.

Following the ruling, a tourism regulatory committee appointed by Ron DeSantis on Wednesday approved the cancellation of a recently signed trade deal with the park that employs 75,000 people and attracts 50 million visitors a year.

Disney reacted by denouncing in its complaint "a retaliatory measure, manifestly anti-trade and manifestly unconstitutional". The group believes that it "has no choice but to take this legal action to protect its employees, customers and partners".

In early April, Disney boss Bob Iger had already publicly accused Ron DeSantis of taking an "anti-commerce measure" that violated the company's "right to freedom of expression".

With AFP

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