James Uthmeier launched a class action lawsuit against retail behemoth Target on Thursday, just days after being appointed attorney general. The lawsuit alleges that Target deceived investors by encouraging radical LGBTQ activism.
The Minnesota-based company’s 2023 Pride campaign, a line of products in anticipation of Pride Month, is the subject of the lawsuit. Target eventually removed several goods, moved displays to the rear of the shop, and issued an official statement as a result of the collection’s escalating emotions both in support of and against the campaign.
Target allegedly misled investors by claiming to monitor the social and political risks posed by its DEI [environmental, social, and governance] programs, according to Uthmeier’s office, which is assisting conservative legal charity America First Legal in its investigation.
According to a news release from Uthmeier, companies that prioritize radical leftist ideology over financial gains endanger the retirement security of Florida’s teachers and first responders. In order for businesses to return to conducting business and not engaging in inappropriate political theater, my office will fiercely seek corporate reform.
According to the lawsuit, the campaign cost stockholders $25 billion over the course of six months, with $10 billion of that loss occurring in the first ten days.
In a video shared to his X account, Uthmeier declared, “This fight is worth having.” Additionally, we will seek to make Target and other corporate giants pay for these wrongdoings and force them to resume their normal commercial operations.
According to USA Today, Target’s marketing sparked boycotts and bomb threats against retail locations.
Ashley Moody, who was chosen by Governor Ron DeSantis to the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Marco Rubio, was replaced by Uthmeier, who was sworn in as attorney general on Monday.
Encircled by well-known Tallahassee politicians, Uthmeier pledged to advance an America First agenda and not passively watch as the Left attempts to snoop on our institutions and use the legal system to brainwash our children.
“We will use the attorney general’s office to hold criminals accountable, protect the defenseless, and proudly support our courageous law enforcement,” Uthmeier stated.
America First Legal has joined forces with Uthmeier for the class action lawsuit filed in the Middle District of Florida court after filing a lawsuit in August 2023 in federal court over the Pride campaign.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis stated in the news release, “We’ve seen time and time again that when companies prioritize performative virtue signaling and wokeness over profitability, they alienate customers, lose market value, and erode shareholder trust, all while pretending their activism carries no financial risk.”
It is intolerable, and Florida is retaliating on behalf of investors and taxpayers who have had enough. Companies like Target should prioritize their consumers’ needs before some ESG tyrants and concentrate on making a profit.
Target declared in January that their diversity initiatives will come to an end.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.