Disney appeals judge's decision to dismiss free speech suit against DeSantis

Disney is appealing a Florida federal judge's decision this week to dismiss its case accusing GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis of punishing the entertainment-media conglomerate for exercising its right to free speech.

The company filed the notice to appeal Thursday, one day after the judge dismissed the case. 

In ruling against Disney, the judge ruled the company lacked standing to sue DeSantis and that its case against the governor’s oversight board failed on merit, according to CNN Business. 

Disney had not “alleged any specific actions the new board took (or will take) because of the Governor’s alleged control,” the judge said. 

The feud between Disney and DeSantis started nearly two years ago when Disney publicly opposed bill the governor backed that bans some classroom curriculum on sexual orientation and gender identity.

DeSantis then signed a bill into law giving him new power over the 47-square-mile district that contains Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida, which resulted in Walt Disney Parks and Resorts filed suit in April 2023. 

The suit alleges DeSantis and the oversight board of punishing the company for speaking out against the bill.

Disney previously had municipal control over the area surrounding its theme parks but lost it after DeSantis’ bill was passed. The bill established the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, overseen by five people hand-picked by the governor.

The board has vowed to increase taxes, raise utility rates and develop the land around the parks.

“They were wrong and we were right. They should move on.”DeSantis said Thursday, according to the Associated Press.

A Disney spokesperson told CNN "this is an important case with serious implications for the rule of law, and it will not end here."