Disney has taken legal action against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis by filing a counterclaim seeking damages.
This comes just days after DeSantis claimed that the dispute between the two parties had been resolved.
In a 55-page court filing responding to Florida's recent lawsuit against Disney, the media giant accused the board of supervisors appointed by DeSantis to oversee Walt Disney World's special tax district of breaching contracts. Disney is seeking damages and a court order for the district to adhere to the contracts that were in place before the board assumed control of the park's development.
Disney's filing refutes the allegations made by the district board in its state-level lawsuit. The company stated, "Except as expressly admitted, qualified, or otherwise stated, Disney denies each and every allegation and assertion in the Complaint."
Furthermore, Disney has presented 12 "affirmative defenses" against the board, including the claim that it lacks legal standing.
In addition to this counterclaim, Disney is also suing DeSantis separately in a related federal lawsuit, accusing him of political retaliation.
The conflict between Disney and DeSantis originated last year when the company criticized Florida's Parental Rights in Education law, known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill. This law prohibits classroom instruction on gender identity or sexual orientation in lower grades.
In response to Disney's criticism, DeSantis and his allies in the state legislature revoked Disney's self-governing authority and established the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), which now has control over the park's development. The district's five-member board was replaced by DeSantis' appointees, effectively granting him control over the park's development. Previously, Walt Disney World had been able to govern its operations independently since the 1960s.
However, before the CFTOD assumed control, Disney had entered into contracts to protect its investments in Florida as tensions between the company and DeSantis escalated.
The new board of the CFTOD sued Disney, accusing the company of engaging in "backroom deals" to undermine its authority. The board voted to invalidate the contracts, prompting Disney to file a lawsuit in response.
In turn, the DeSantis-appointed board countersued in the 9th Judicial Circuit Court in Orange County, Florida, arguing that Disney did not have the authority to enter into the contracts.
DeSantis, who is currently trailing behind former President Donald Trump in the polls, called on Disney to drop its lawsuit against him, warning that the company will lose if it continues to pursue legal action.
In an interview with CNBC, DeSantis stated, "I would just say go back to what you did well, I think it's going to be the right business decision. We've basically moved on, they're suing the state of Florida, and they're going to lose that lawsuit. So what I would say is drop the lawsuit."
The legal battle between Disney and DeSantis continues, with both parties firmly standing their ground.
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