Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger took aim at Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis during a concert on Monday at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, criticizing DeSantis' bitter feud with Disney.
Last year, Disney filed a lawsuit accusing DeSantis of taking action against the company when its then-CEO criticized Florida's Parental Rights in Education plan—or "Don't Say Gay" law—which limits the instruction of gender identity and sexuality in public schools.
DeSantis' administration then dissolved a longstanding agreement that gave Disney jurisdiction over the infrastructure requirements and responsibilities of the area where Disney World is located while leaving over 1,500 other such jurisdictions in place.
Despite concerns over the burden this change could place on local taxpayers, the Governor's administration continued to counter any attempt made by Disney to have the agreement reinstated.
But none of this reflected well on DeSantis—and Jagger's rebuke only cements how detrimental DeSantis' actions have been for his state.
He said:
“We have some great local celebrities that have come tonight. Tiger Woods is here, for instance. Joey Fatone is here."
"And Ron DeSantis is up there in the suite. He’s having a date night with Mickey Mouse. I’m so glad they finally made up.”
Many appreciated Jagger's jab.
The DeSantis administration and Disney agreed to end litigation over the Reedy Creek Improvement District, encompassing the 40-square-mile property housing the Walt Disney World resort, earlier this year.
The two sides settled, reaching a resolution that "opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district and serves the interests of all parties by enabling significant continued investment and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and economic opportunity in the State," per Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle.
This development occurred after a federal judge in January dismissed Disney's claim that DeSantis retaliated against the company for criticizing the "Don't Say Gay" law. The judge's order said Disney lacked legal standing to sue DeSantis on its claim he violated the company’s First Amendment rights.
Afterward, a Disney spokesperson said the company planned to “press forward” with its case. The spokesperson said that "left unchallenged," the case "would set a dangerous precedent and give license to states to weaponize their official powers to punish the expression of political viewpoints they disagree with."
