FL Judge Recuses Himself From DeSantis/Disney Suit

Courthouse News reports:

A Florida judge has recused himself from the federal case brought by Disney against Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and a state oversight board. In court documents filed on Thursday, Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker denied DeSantis’ motion to disqualify, finding that his prior comments in another state retaliation case does not show he is predisposed to rule in Disney’s favor.

However, Walker, a Barack Obama appointee, removed himself from the case anyway because a family member owns 30 shares of Disney stock. “Even though I believe it is highly unlikely that these proceedings will have a substantial effect on the Walt Disney Company, I choose to err on the side of caution—which, here, is also the side of judicial integrity—and disqualify myself,” he continued.

Read the full article. Lawyers for DeSantis have claimed that the judge’s previous comments about Disney show his bias against their side. So they get their win, but not for the reasons they wanted.

DeSantis news — live: Judge steps back from Disney case against Florida governor as 2024 campaign tour wrapshttps://t.co/DEV37qmCA1

— The Independent (@Independent) June 2, 2023