The granddaughter of Disney co-founder Roy Disney is speaking out online in the wake of a weekend demonstration near Walt Disney World where a small group of people gathered with Nazi flags and messaging in support of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“My grandfather is spinning in his grave,” Abigail Disney wrote on Twitter Sunday, sharing a video of the scene in Orlando.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said about 15 people demonstrated near the theme park for two hours on Saturday. Two counter-protesters also showed up, and the event dissipated with no arrests, the office said.
“We are aware of these groups that aim to agitate and incite people with anti-Semitic symbols and slurs. They are also aware of the law,” the office said in a statement. “The Orange County Sheriff’s Office deplores hate speech in any form, but people have the First Amendment right to demonstrate.”
Videos and photos circulating online and obtained by USA TODAY show multiple people waving red and black flags with swastikas, one holding a DeSantis poster and a “DeSantis 2024 Make America Florida” flag planted in the ground.
There was a similar demonstration at the same location last May, according to The Combat Antisemitism Movement, a non-partisan international organization.
Representatives for DeSantis and Disney did not respond to requests for comment.
The demonstration comes as DeSantis, who is running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has been embroiled in a feud with Disney for more than a year.
‘Absolutely disgusting’:People with Nazi flags, signs supporting Florida Gov. DeSantis gathered outside Disney World
