Disney Rolls Out Red Carpet for Controversial Florida AG at $25,000 Fundraiser
Disney World is hosting an exclusive fundraiser for Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who was a key figure in the state's battle against the company. The event, called 'Friends of James Uthmeier,' will be held at Walt Disney World and costs $25,000 per person or business entity.
The invitation is a striking contrast to the public feud between Disney and the DeSantis administration over the past four years. During this time, Disney was involved in high-profile federal lawsuits against the state and faced retaliatory legislation from lawmakers.
However, after two years of litigation, court defeats, and public PR battles, the fight reached an abrupt resolution. In January 2024, a federal judge dismissed Disney's federal lawsuit. In March, Disney and the CFTOD reached an agreement that ended their state-level litigation and opened the door to a new development framework.
The hosting of Uthmeier's fundraiser represents a broader change in Disney's political strategy in Florida. The company has returned to active political engagement in the state, making contributions to both Democratic and Republican political action committees, legislative leadership funds, and individual campaigns.