Disney’s ongoing legal battle with conservative actress Gina Carano took a significant turn this week as the company faced a critical blow in court. Carano, who was fired from her role in “The Mandalorian” in 2021, has been pursuing a wrongful termination lawsuit against Disney, and recent court rulings have allowed her case to proceed despite Disney’s attempts to block it.
Known for her conservative views, Carano was removed from her role as Cara Dune after making political statements on social media. The dismissal drew sharp reactions from many accusing Disney of unfairly targeting Carano for her beliefs. Carano’s lawsuit alleges wrongful termination and discrimination based on her political views.
Carano shared an update with her followers on X (formerly known as Twitter), revealing that a federal judge had denied Disney’s request to appeal the court’s earlier decision to dismiss the case. Disney had hoped to delay discovery while seeking an immediate appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. However, the judge’s latest decision means that Carano’s case will move forward, entering the discovery phase.
“I am obviously very pleased with the opportunity to keep moving forward with the judicial process and into discovery,” Carano posted. “While I wish this was not necessary as it is not my desire to be in this battle in court, I will not shrink away from it because it is hard or uncomfortable.” Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett ruled on Wednesday that Disney’s request for an immediate review by the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit does not solely hinge on legal issues according to Bloomberg Law. Disney sought protection under the First Amendment to make casting decisions by excluding individuals whose advocacy could affect its expression.
However, Garnett found that certifying this question, along with four other free speech issues, would not expedite the resolution of the case. She also noted that Disney failed to demonstrate a significant disagreement on the matter. The lawsuit could challenge the unique aspects of California law that protect employees’ political activities outside of work from employer retaliation.
Carano’s legal fight has not only gained the attention of her supporters but also high-profile figures such as Elon Musk, whom she thanked in her posts for giving her a “fighting chance” in continuing her lawsuit. Musk, a vocal advocate for free speech on social media, has played a role in supporting individuals like Carano who have been caught up in public controversies due to their political views.
In July of this year, Carano thanked the court after another critical ruling went in her favor. “After a brutal 3 1/2 years, I am being given the opportunity to move forward in the court of law before the judge and my peers to clear my name,” Carano shared in a July 24th post on X. The post detailed her emotional reaction to the court’s denial of Disney’s motion to dismiss the case at that time. “What happened to me was unacceptable, absurd and abusive, among other things,” she wrote. “It should not have happened to me, and it should not happen to anyone else moving forward. Let it stop here.”
