Disney's Political Retaliation Suit Against DeSantis Focuses on Free Speech Claim

Disney has amended its federal lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, focusing solely on its First Amendment claim that the governor politically retaliated against the company. The move comes as Disney drops its other claims, which are being pursued in a separate state-level lawsuit. The revision reduces the company's federal civil complaint from 84 to 48 pages. The legal battle between Disney and DeSantis began when the company publicly opposed a controversial classroom bill. DeSantis targeted the special tax district that allowed Disney to self-govern its theme parks, prompting Disney to file its federal lawsuit. The board countersued in state court, and Disney has filed counterclaims seeking damages.