MIAMI: Walt Disney Co sued Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Wedn­esday, asking a court to overturn state efforts to control the company’s theme parks and intensifying a battle between a global entertainment giant and a potential White House contender.

The lawsuit marks the company’s response to escalating efforts by DeSantis, a Republican, and his supporters to exert power over Disney World, which draws millions of visitors every year to its massive amusement parks, the first of which opened in 1971.

“The company is left with no choice but to file this lawsuit to protect its cast members, guests, and local development partners from a relentless campaign to weaponise government power against Disney in retaliation for expressing a political viewpoint unpopular with certain state officials,” Disney said in its lawsuit.

A DeSantis spokesman called Disney’s action “an unfortunate example of their hope to undermine the will of Florida voters”.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2023