Score one for the governor’s team. At least for now.
A judge last Friday denied a motion by the Walt Disney Corp. to streamline its suit against Governor Ron DeSantis in an abuse of power case. The two sides have been going at it for more than a year after Disney publicly challenged one of the governor’s public policies.
“Plaintiff’s motion to amend is DENIED without prejudice because it does not comply with Local Rule 7.1(C), which requires a certificate confirming compliance with Rule 7.1(B)’s attorney-conference requirement,” U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor wrote. “Plaintiff may refile the motion after conferring with Defendants and otherwise complying with the Local Rules.”
Disney is invited to work with the defendants to try to amend the complaint.
That doesn’t appear likely, however, given the animosity on both sides. This is a state case; There is still a federal case to be resolved.
It remains to be seen whether Disney can work with the governor’s side and amend his complaint, or if it will end up back in front of the same judge but with a new motion.
DeSantis, who is running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has said that he defeated Disney and is washing his hands of any further issues.
Ultimately, Disney is trying to make a First Amendment case on whether the governor violated the entertainment giant's First Amendment rights. The governor, in fact, went on CNBC last month and said that Disney should pull its lawsuit because they’re going to lose.
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