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Slate Money

Disney’s Wrongful Death Nightmare

Aug 24, 2024
Felix Salmon, a sharp financial journalist, Emily Peck, who delves into media finance, and Elizabeth Spiers, a seasoned writer, tackle Disney's legal misstep in blocking a wrongful death claim. They dissect the troubling implications of forced arbitration clauses and the need for transparency in consumer rights. The conversation shifts to the politics of pricing, with a look at Kamala Harris' comments on price controls. They also explore the growing impact of legalized sports betting on American finances, juxtaposing it with traditional investing.
52:56

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The controversy surrounding Disney's attempt to enforce mandatory arbitration clauses highlights significant issues regarding consumer rights and access to legal justice.
  • The legalization of sports betting has adversely impacted household investment behaviors, reflecting a shift in how individuals engage with their disposable income.

Deep dives

Arbitration vs. Court Cases at Disney

The controversy surrounding arbitration versus court cases was highlighted by a legal incident involving Disney World. Following the tragic death of a woman due to an allergic reaction at a Disney-operated restaurant, her husband attempted to sue both the restaurant and Disney. However, Disney insisted on moving the case to arbitration due to a mandatory arbitration agreement. This sparked significant public outrage, which prompted Disney to eventually allow the case to proceed in court, raising larger questions about consumer rights and the implications of mandatory arbitration agreements that often prevent individuals from pursuing lawsuits.

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