Disney investor sues over company’s response to ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill

A Disney investor claimed the Mouse Home created a “far-reaching” monetary danger for itself by opposing Florida’s controversial so-called “Don’t Say Homosexual” invoice, in keeping with a brand new lawsuit.

The 22-page swimsuit filed late Friday from investor Kenneth Simeone calls for that Disney flip over its inside data about its opposition to the regulation limiting instruction on sexual orientation or gender id in elementary colleges.

By criticizing the regulation, Disney misplaced management over tax and enchancment points on the Orlando-based theme park, the swimsuit mentioned.

“The monetary repercussions from Disney’s actions, and ensuing hurt to the corporate and its stockholders, have been swift and extreme,” Simeone alleged in courtroom papers.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the controversial Florida invoice into regulation in March.
SOPA Pictures/LightRocket through Gett

Disney didn't return requests for remark.

In accordance with Bloomberg Information, the lawsuit is a so-called “books and data” motion, demanding paperwork that can be utilized to later sue Disney administrators over the choice to oppose the Florida regulation. Delaware judges usually grant such file requests, Bloomberg mentioned.

The “Don’t Say Homosexual” battle blew up beneath Disney’s former CEO Bob Chapek, who initially wobbled on his response to the invoice, opting to not weigh in. Drawing ire from Disney workers, Chapek got here out in opposition to the invoice, vowing that Disney would pause all political donations.

Visitors walk along Main Street at The Magic Kingdom as Walt Disney World reopens following Hurricane Ian on September 30, 2022 in Orlando, Florida.
Disney World was stripped of its particular municipal district, after the corporate opposed the “Don’t Say Homosexual” regulation.
AFP through Getty Pictures

In late March, DeSantis moved rapidly to signal the invoice into regulation. Weeks later, DeSantis signed laws that will remove Disney’s special-municipal district, known as “Reedy Creek,” which the corporate had operated within the state because the late Nineteen Sixties.

The dissolution of Reedy Creek signifies that Disney misplaced management of choices about taxation, infrastructure enhancements for the theme park and its surrounding areas, and may very well be on the hook for billions in further debt.

bob iger
Relations between Disney and Florida have improved considerably since CEO Bob Iger returned to the corporate.
Getty Pictures for Disney

Disney’s board ousted Chapek in late November amid tepid monetary outcomes and after a slew of PR gaffes, changing him with longtime CEO Bob Iger. Iger, who had stepped away from the highest job two years earlier, has harassed Florida’s significance to the corporate. In accordance with reviews, the Sunshine State is softening its strategy and is drafting a revision to the deal.

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