Ron DeSantis Moves To Disqualify Judge In Disney Lawsuit
As the Walt Disney Company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis prepare for their day in court, both sides have maneuvered behind the scenes to bolster their case.
Disney initially sued the DeSantis administration, arguing that government’s dissolution of the Reedy Creek Improvement District was retaliatory. The company has consistently contended that they were attacked for speaking out against Florida’s Parental Rights In Education bill.
Disney Amends Lawsuit; Florida Fires Back
In a subsequent amendment to their lawsuit, Disney further argued that other state measures, such as a monorail inspection bill that was recently passed, further bolster their case that the administration is attacking the company for utilizing their First Amendment rights.
Following Disney’s suit, which was filled in federal court, the DeSantis administration countered by suing Disney in state court. The administration is arguing that Disney’s legally binding contracts with Reedy Creek in the waning days of that districts existence were illegal.
DeSantis Moves To Recuse Judge
In the latest development in this ongoing saga, DeSantis’ team has now moved to disqualify the federal judge overseeing DIsney’s lawsuit. The state alleges the judge’s comments in previous cases raise doubts about his impartiality.
According to DeSantis’ lawyers, Judge Mark Walker had in two separate cases “offered ‘Disney’ as an example of state retaliation” without being prompted.
In a new filing, the governor’s law team argues that those remarks “could reasonably imply that the Court has prejudged the retaliation question” in the Disney case.
“Because that question is now before this Court. And because that question involves highly publicized matters of great interest to Florida’s citizens, the Court should disqualify itself to prevent even the appearance of impropriety,” DeSantis’ legal team wrote.
A Disney spokesman did not immediately respond for comment.
A Day In Court
Whether the case is presided over by Judge Mark Walker or not, Disney and DeSantis will have their day in court. Then hopefully, this conflict between Florida and Disney will be resolved once and for all.
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