Disney capitulates. After a two-year standoff with Ron DeSantis , the entertainment behemoth has reached a settlement with Florida's governor in a sprawling lawsuit over who controls Disney's administrative (and taxing) district.
In question, “last minute measures” adopted by district administrators, appointed by the studios before being replaced by those appointed by Ron DeSantis. Said measures are now canceled by Disney and the development of the area will be settled amicably.
Jeff Vahle , chairman of Disney World, said in a statement that the company was "pleased to end all pending litigation in the state courts," according to the Guardian report : "The agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district and serves the interests of all parties by enabling significant continued investment and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and economic opportunities in the state. » The district employs approximately 75,000 workers, according to the New York Times .
To understand the impact of this decision, return to 2022. Ron DeSantis, darling of ultra-conservative America and flagship figure of the Republican Party, is Donald Trump 's main rival . One of his decisions at the local level will raise him to the rank of star of the party: he passes a law consisting of depriving Disney of its special (and historic) status on the grounds that the company is becoming a little too woke for his taste.
Since the 1960s, the Reedy Creek Improvement District has given Walt Disney World Resort almost total management autonomy over its land and exempts it from state regulations. An autonomy similar to that of a county, specifies the New York Times . By depriving Disney of its privilege, Ron DeSantis responds to the criticism made by Disney CEO Bob Chapek against the law he initiated. Nicknamed “don't say gay” , the homophobic and transphobic text prohibits teachers from discussing questions of sexual orientation or gender identity in nursery and primary schools.
Initially discreet on the issue, Bob Chapek ended up explaining that Disney was “against the text from the beginning” and tried to “work behind the scenes by talking directly with legislators”. Following its adoption, he announced that Disney would make donations to several organizations “working to protect LGBTQ rights.”
In signing the text, Ron DeSantis pointed out Disney's commitment: “You are a company with headquarters in Burbank, California, and you are deploying your economic power to attack parents in my state. We consider this a provocation and we will fight.” The amusement complex contributes greatly to the economic life of Florida, with its six theme parks located in Orlando and its more than 50 million visitors per year.
Before Ron DeSantis's control, Disney had taken new, divisive measures. They aimed in particular to transfer control of the development of the district to Disney World, rather than to the state. A way for the group to lock in development plans with complete peace of mind.
According to the New York Times , this control represents more than $17 billion in development. However, Disney suffered a major setback: Ron DeSantis passed a law adopted by the Florida legislature (controlled by his Republican supporters) to appoint a new supervisory board. Several members of the board of directors were replaced by his political supporters.
He has since threatened to build a state prison a stone's throw from the park or raise taxes on nearby services. Disney took legal action, believing that Ron DeSantis “threatened [its] commercial activities, jeopardized its economic future in the region and violated its constitutional rights” to make the group regret having exercised its right to “freedom of 'expression ". The complaint was dismissed last January by a federal judge. Disney's appeal is now stayed, so that both parties can settle the matter amicably.
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