Disney Carry on Fighting and Sue Florida Governor

Desperate Walt Disney Co. sued Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday, asking a court to overturn state efforts to control the Walt Disney World theme parks and intensifying a battle between a global entertainment giant and a potential US presidential contender. 

 

The two sides have been fighting since Disney criticized a state law banning discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in primary schools. 

 

The lawsuit came after state officials voided a development deal involving the firm's Florida theme park. Disney declared DeSantis' steps to assert control over their operations threatened their business and violated their constitutional rights. 

 

And they are asking the court to undo the moves. 

 

DeSantis spokesperson Jeremy Redfern said on Twitter, “We are unaware of any legal right that a company has to operate its own government or maintain special privileges not held by other businesses in the state”. 

 

The tussle could boost DeSantis’s support among US Republican voters, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found – but also hurt him among the wider electorate. 

 

Seventy-three percent of respondents – including 82 percent of Democrats and 63 percent of Republicans – said they were less likely to support a political candidate who backs laws designed to punish a company for their political or cultural stances. 

 

A 2-1 win at West Ham on Wednesday was a third straight victory for Liverpool and it was sealed by Joel Matip's header from a corner in the 67th minute. 

 

The Hammers scored first in the 12th minute, only for the Reds to equalize through Cody Gakpo – off a long-range strike – six minutes later. 

 

Liverpool climb to sixth place and six points behind fourth-place Manchester United, which have two games in hand.