ORLANDO, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis’ legal team filed a motion Friday to disqualify U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker from handling Walt Disney Company’s federal lawsuit against him, alleging statements Walker made in other cases shows the judge has an impartial bias in favor of the entertainment giant.
The defendants claim certain remarks by the judge made in open court could “imply he has prejudged the retaliation in question.” According to court records, the defendants derived the remarks from “extrajudicial sources” and claim remarks took place at least twice.
The motion states: “Because that question is now before this Court, and because that question involves highly publicized matters of great interest to Florida’s citizens, the Court should disqualify itself to prevent even the appearance of impropriety.”
