Federal judge bows out of Disney case

A federal judge who was poised to hear Disney’s lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has recused himself, according to a report.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin Fitzpatrick wrote in a court document that he’s related “in the third degree” to someone employed by one of the parties in the lawsuit, which requires his recusal from the case.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida on Wednesday, accusing DeSantis of orchestrating a “targeted campaign of government retaliation,” which would violate the company’s free speech rights.

Disney filed the lawsuit after the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which houses Walt Disney World Resort, voted to invalidate two development contracts Disney signed in February. 

“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,” Taryn Fenske, communications director for DeSantis, said. “This lawsuit is yet another unfortunate example of their hope to undermine the will of the Florida voters and operate outside the bounds of the law.”

Fitzpatrick recused himself Friday.

The case will be assigned to a different judge, according to a court order.