Disney Appeals Dismissal of Free-Speech Suit Against DeSantis

Walt Disney Co. filed notice that it was appealing a federal judge’s order that dismissed its lawsuit accusing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis of political retaliation.

US District Judge Allen Winsor in Tallahassee, Florida, on Wednesday granted DeSantis’ request to throw out the company’s suit, saying Disney lacked standing to sue the governor. Winsor also said a law stripping the company of control of the municipal district in central Florida that includes Disney World was constitutional even if it was aimed at punishing free speech.

The ruling is a major setback for Disney in its ongoing feud with DeSantis. Disney sued DeSantis in April after a new governing board for the district appointed by the Republican governor voted to void land-use contracts signed by the company.