Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is extremely confident when discussing his legal battle with The Walt Disney Company. The prominent politician has yet to buckle under the pressure of squaring off against the popular entertainment giant. In fact, he has actually claimed victory over them many times in interviews regarding the matter. Whether this is true or not is up for debate, but the governor may not be as secure in his fight with Mickey Mouse as he seems. Hidden in the court scheduling briefing for the lawsuit shows hints of a man that fears the fight with Disney could negatively impact his presidential bid.
Disney intends to pursue this legal battle as quickly and efficiently as possible. Ron DeSantis, however, just wants a little more time before heading to court. How much time, do you ask? The governor has requested that the court date occur two years from now – well after the 2024 presidential election ends.
Disney vs. DeSantis – If It Pleases the Court
The ongoing dispute between Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida and The Walt Disney Company has captured significant attention, serving as a subject of extensive discussion and media coverage. Initially sparked by DeSantis’ criticism of former Disney CEO Bob Chapek’s opposition to the “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, this conflict has rapidly evolved into a series of drastic measures, including the dismantling of the Reedy Creek Improvement District board, wherein DeSantis tactfully appointed his own chosen individuals as replacements. Presently, the situation has escalated to the point where lawsuits and counterclaims have been filed by both entities involved, further intensifying the legal battle.
The court scheduling briefing between Disney and Ron DeSantis revealed that Disney prefers to have the court date set for July 2024, which is approximately a year from now and falls within the typical timeframe for a federal court case to go to trial. On the other hand, DeSantis has insisted on postponing the trial to August 4, 2025. This requested date is a full year later than Disney’s preference and conveniently takes place long after the conclusion of the upcoming presidential race in November 2024. If the trial commences next year, DeSantis would have to face two major opponents simultaneously (assuming he successfully defeats Donald Trump for the Republican nomination), which is understandably something he wants to avoid.
The request was reported on Twitter by Mary Ellen Klas, capitol bureau chief at the Miami Herald. The court date still has yet to be solidified at the time of this writing.
The @Disney v. @RonDeSantis court scheduling briefing is in. Disney asks for a July 2024 court date. DeSantis defendants ask for an August 2025 – post-election – court date. pic.twitter.com/eNGG2Hi4k8
— Mary Ellen Klas (@MaryEllenKlas) June 28, 2023
Delay or Dismantle
This new demand also comes at a time when Governor DeSantis is filing a motion to dismiss the case entirely by claiming that he and Florida legislators have “absolute legislative immunity.” Disney has accused the governor of infringing on their right to free speech. The claim to dismiss the lawsuit reads:
Disney’s attempts to link the State Defendants to those laws are unpersuasive. Disney mainly focuses on the Governor’s role in signing [the laws] but…signing a law is not “enforcing” a law…and the Governor is entitled to absolute legislative immuniy for that act in any event.
This unending legal war is just one of the issues Disney faces this year. The company has also contended with a recent Supreme Court loss and backlash for its progressive social agenda. Several of its major releases this year have failed to perform well at the box office, and Park attendance is slightly lower than normal for the summer months.
Whoever emerges victorious between Ron DeSantis and Disney is still up in the air. The two giants are digging their heels in, and we likely will not see a conclusion for quite some time – more so if DeSantis gets his way.
