Disney sues Florida's DeSantis over 'campaign' to weaponize government against company

Walt Disney Co sued Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, asking a court to overturn state efforts to exert control over the company’s Walt Disney World theme parks in Orlando.

Walt Disney Co sued Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday, asking a court to overturn state efforts to exert control over the company's Walt Disney World theme parks in Orlando.

The action comes as the oversight board DeSantis appointed to oversee development in and around Walt Disney World in central Florida endorsed a legal opinion that declared as void an agreement that laid the foundation for billions of dollars in future development of the theme park.

"The company is left with no choice but to file this lawsuit to protect its cast members, guests, and local development partners from a relentless campaign to weaponize government power against Disney in retaliation for expressing a political viewpoint unpopular with certain State officials," the company said in its lawsuit.

A spokesperson for DeSantis did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The ongoing effort by DeSantis and his supporters to exert control over Disney began last year after the company criticized a state law banning classroom discussion of sexuality and gender identity in schools.

Disney shares were little changed in market action on Wednesday.

Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger has called the retaliation against the company "anti-business" and "anti-Florida." The company employs roughly 75,000 people in the state.