You would have to look hard to find someone without knowledge of Florida’s dramatic ongoing legal cage match. Governor Ron DeSantis has been at odds with The Walt Disney Company over clashing beliefs on major social issues. This is a fight for the history books, and neither one is backing down. As tensions rise between the conservative leader and the entertainment giant, both sides have dug their heels in, creating a fierce clash of values that could have far-reaching consequences.
Ron DeSantis has thrown his hat in to become the Republican nominee over Donald Trump in the 2024 election. His increased presence on national outlets has created opportunities to address his war with Walt Disney World, and his outlook is unwavering. It might also be a tad overzealous.
The governor sat down this week for an interview with David Brody from the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). During the exchange, DeSantis had some riveting declarations on the legal matter, offering a glimpse into his narrative of a game still in play.
War With a Mouse
The ongoing legal battle between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Walt Disney Company revolves around the highly controversial Parental Rights in Education Act (also known as the “Don’t Say Gay Bill.”) DeSantis has staunchly supported the policy, which restricts the discussion of LGBTQ+ topics in public schools.
Disney caught his ire after their then-CEO Bob Chapek openly criticized the bill. The battle eventually caused DeSantis to assail the company by dissolving Reedy Creek, the municipality that Walt Disney World used to control the planning, development, and operation of its theme park Resort. The governor then installed his appointed members to oversee the property’s progress.
Since then, The Walt Disney Company has filed a lawsuit against Ron DeSantis, contending that he has mounted a political attack on it for exercising its right to free speech. The battle is still in progress, but that hasn’t stopped the governor from claiming he “beat” the company during an interview.
Declaring Disney Defeated
When sitting down with CBN’s David Brody, Governor Ron DeSantis had some choice remarks on his war with the mouse:
We just signed legislation saying teachers are not allowed to demand pronouns from the kids. I had Walt Disney World come down on me and fight me on that. All these other Republicans are actually taking the side of Disney! They are criticizing me for standing up to Disney because they are a big powerful company and all this other stuff.
To be frank, the governor seems to understand that Republicans are criticizing his war with Disney, but he doesn’t comprehend the reasoning based on this statement. Most Republican disapproval has been because of the slippery slope his actions could create by retaliating against a business for an opinion that clashes with his own. The “other stuff” is the main point. It has nothing to do with the magnitude of the company. He then makes the bombshell declaration:
We stood our ground on that, and we beat Disney, [sic] and we signed that into law and we ended Disney’s self-governing status.
DeSantis signed his bill into law, but declaring victory over Disney is premature. The governor has admittedly had the upper hand in the situation for some time, especially by negatively impacting Disney’s business dealings. However, he has not defeated the mouse quite yet. The lawsuit is still in play, and it might be some time before the actual outcome is known.
Desantis: “I just signed legislation saying teachers are not allowed to demand pronouns from the kids. I had Disney come down on me and fight me on that. We stood our ground on that, and we beat Disney.” pic.twitter.com/lam4P2CfrI
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) June 16, 2023
Related: Hope You Like Legal Fees, You’re Paying For DeSantis’ Lawyers in Disney Fight
The Walt Disney Company now presses forward with new investments and offerings at its Parks. The business has not backed down from its stance on social issues. However, its commitment to Florida has a giant question mark looming over it. DeSantis’s bid for the White House is the perfect litmus test for the nation’s response to his crusade against Disney. He might say he’s beaten the entertainment giant, but as they say, winning some battles doesn’t necessarily win you the war.
