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THE LATEST: Disney Rocks DeSantis Ahead of Expected White House Bid Announcement
CNNThe move was the latest twist in a bitter feud between DeSantis and one of the most important corporations operating in the Sunshine State.
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For over a year now, Florida’s Republican Governor—and potential presidential candidate—Ron DeSantis has been waging a war against the Walt Disney Company. The feud began after the company publicly criticized Florida legislation barring public school teachers from teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity. In response, DeSantis went after Disney’s special tax status. Disney is now suing the governor, accusing him of violating the company’s free speech rights.
Read on for more context on how the spat started, where it could be headed, and what’s at stake for DeSantis’s political ambitions and Disney’s bottom line.
Image by Sean Rayford / Stringer / Getty Images
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THE BASICS: Why the Happiest Place on Earth Is Suing Florida’s Governor
BBCLike an old-fashioned bar room brawl, the back-and-forth public relations, political and legal battle between Ron DeSantis and Walt Disney World began with a few sharp words. Now it has spilled out into the street and is crashing through neighbouring shops and homes.
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THE BACK STORY: How Disney Carved Out Its Own Government in Florida
The Wall Street JournalFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a bill to terminate special tax status allowing Disney to govern the land housing its theme parks. Here's how the district came to be more than 50 years ago.
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THE BIG PICTURE: Ron DeSantis Finds Taking On Disney Is a Dicey Business
The New York TimesRepublicans are increasingly taking on corporations they denounce as “woke.” The Florida governor is just the latest to find that it isn’t easy.
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WHO WILL WIN?: Here’s a Look at the Evidence
The Washington PostDisney says DeSantis's actions amount to retaliating against protected political speech. Here's what the case is likely to turn on.
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TIME CAPSULE: Disney’s Wild World of Lawyers -- The Scrappiest Place on Earth?
Los Angeles TimesFrom November 1996: When the entertainment giant is challenged in court, Mickey's ruthless side often comes out, critics say.