\n<\/p>\n
Disney dropped its lawsuits against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R), reaching a settlement with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD).<\/p>\n
CFTOD replaced Disney\u2019s Reedy Creek Improvement District Board, which allowed Disney to be recognized as its own governing authority, over a year ago.<\/p>\n
The settlement includes Disney\u2019s recognition that its agreement with the former Reedy Creek Improvement District is void. CFTOD will also drop its counterclaims against Disney.<\/p>\n
American Faith reported<\/a> that the dispute began when Disney expressed disapproval of a new state law that prohibits teaching about sexuality and so-called \u201cgender identity\u201d to young children.<\/p>\n Before the new board was installed, Disney rushed to modify the special tax district agreement, effectively restricting the new body\u2019s power for decades.<\/p>\n However, in April 2023, the CFTOD declared Disney\u2019s proposed expansion plans for Disney World non-compliant with state law, voiding the agreement. Disney then filed a federal lawsuit against DeSantis, accusing him of illegally using government power to retaliate against the company for exercising its freedom of speech.<\/p>\n In response, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board launched its own state court lawsuit.<\/p>\n Bryan Griffin, DeSantis\u2019 communications director, said in a statement, \u201cWe are glad that Disney has dropped its lawsuits against the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and conceded that their last-minute development agreements are null, void, and unenforceable. No corporation should be its own government. Moving forward, we stand ready to work with Disney and the District to help promote economic growth, family-friendly tourism, and accountable government in Central Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n Griffin also shared the development on social media, writing, \u201cRemember all these ridiculous headlines from the media,\u201d and sharing images of headlines describing Florida\u2019s alleged \u201clegal humiliation\u201d during the duration of the lawsuits. \u201cTurns out (to no one\u2019s surprise) they were all wrong,\u201d Griffin noted.<\/p>\n \u201cDisney TODAY concedes last-minute deals were \u2018null\u2019, \u2018void\u2019, \u2018unenforceable,’\u201d he continued. \u201cHow many of these media outlets will be issuing corrections?\u201d<\/p>\n Remember all these ridiculous headlines from the media? Turns out (to no one’s surprise) they were all wrong.<\/p>\n Disney TODAY concedes last-minute deals were “null”, “void”, “unenforceable.”<\/p>\n How many of these media outlets will be issuing corrections? https:\/\/t.co\/ZrvGTUBL4c<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/XKWxttuNva<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Bryan Griffin (@BryanDGriffin) March 27, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n