Federal Judge In Disney/DeSantis Suit Recuses Himself

Deadline reports:

The federal judge presiding over Disney’s lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has recused himself, citing a conflict of interest.

The lawsuit, filed by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. on Wednesday, accuses DeSantis of a “targeted campaign of government retaliation.” That would violate the company’s First Amendment rights, the suit contends.

Friday’s order by U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin Fitzpatrick claims the judge is related “in the third degree” to someone employed by one of the parties in the lawsuit as the reason for stepping down. The case will be assigned to a different judge, according to the order.

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Disney’s Lawsuit Against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Has Change Of Judges https://t.co/ydFEzKA7kK

— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) April 29, 2023

Disney’s lawsuit against Ron DeSantis alleging political retaliation is assigned to a federal judge who has frequently ruled against the Florida governor’s conservative agenda https://t.co/o5CpVtCeG4

— Bloomberg Politics (@bpolitics) April 27, 2023