Judge dismisses Disney's lawsuit against DeSantis

STORY: A federal judge dismissed Walt Disney's lawsuit against one-time Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis on Wednesday.

The lawsuit accused the Florida Governor of allegedly using the state to punish the company - after Disney criticized Florida’s “Don’t say gay” law that limits classroom discussion of sexuality.

"We fight the woke in the corporations."

DeSantis repeatedly attacked what he termed “woke Disney” as he geared up for the 2024 presidential campaign he dropped out of in January.

"I am today suspending my campaign."

After those attacks, state lawmakers stripped Disney of its control over the special development district that had given the company virtual autonomy around its theme parks since 1967.

"Disney may have gotten everything they wanted in Florida for the last 60 years, but there's a new sheriff in town now."

Later, a DeSantis-appointed state oversight board voided an agreement that limited the power of the newly formed board, which Disney pushed through just before the prior board was replaced.

Disney responded by suing the governor and board members for allegedly punishing the company for its political comments.

But the judge on Wednesday said in his ruling that Disney lacked standing and that its claims that it was punished for exercising its right to free speech fail on the merits.

A Disney spokesperson said the case had serious implications for the rule of law and that it will not end here, adding: "If left unchallenged, this would set a dangerous precedent and give license to states to weaponize their official powers to punish the expression of political viewpoints they disagree with. We are determined to press forward with our case."

DeSantis' press secretary applauded the ruling, saying in a statement that the "decision made it clear that Governor DeSantis was correct: Disney is still just one of many corporations in the state, and they do not have a right to their own special government. In short - as long predicted, case dismissed."