Disney and Florida settle lawsuit over control of special district, easing tensions in bitter fight
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Disney have been embroiled in dispute over ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law that aimed to limit school discussion of sexuality
- In response to Disney criticism, DeSantis urged legislature to abolish special district that gave company virtual autonomy over its Florida theme parks
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Walt Disney have reached a settlement to end a high-profile lawsuit in state court over the control of the special district that includes Walt Disney World in Orlando, the company said on Wednesday.
Disney also agreed to drop a late 2023 lawsuit over access to public records and defer briefings in the federal lawsuit it filed against DeSantis in April last year, pending the outcome of talks on a new development agreement for Walt Disney World.
“This agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district,” Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle said.
DeSantis and Disney, one of Florida’s biggest employers, have been embroiled in a dispute since 2022 when former CEO Bob Chapek criticised a state legislative effort to limit classroom discussion of sexuality and gender issues for younger pupils, a bill that critics call the “Don’t Say Gay” measure.
A Florida board appointed by DeSantis to oversee development around Disney’s theme parks sued the company to void “back-room deals” favourable to the entertainment conglomerate.
DeSantis later limited his public attacks on the company and dropped out of the presidential race in January.