Former MMA Star Gina Carano wins big in Disney Lawsuit

LockerRoom Team

28 Jul 2024

Gina Carano's lawsuit against Disney for her firing from The Mandalorian has taken a significant step forward, as a judge has ruled that the case can proceed. This development offers Carano a chance "to clear my name" and potentially seek reemployment and damages.

Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett stated that Disney "failed to set forth an ‘impenetrable defense’ under the First Amendment." The lawsuit, which is being funded by Elon Musk, is based on Carano's controversial social media posts, including comments perceived as transphobic and comparisons of persecuted Republicans to Jews in World War II. Carano claims Disney acted with a double standard in her termination.

In his ruling, Judge Garnett emphasized that Disney, as a for-profit corporation, did not provide evidence that actors must possess certain "moral" characteristics to be employed. He noted, "Disney had not produced any evidence that actors must have certain 'moral' characteristics to be employed like they claim, saying that they need to have 'respect, decency, integrity or inclusion.'"

Disney previously stated that Carano's comparison of political criticism to the Holocaust was the final straw, explaining, "Carano's decision to publicly trivialize the Holocaust by comparing criticism of political conservatives to the annihilation of millions of Jewish people was the final straw for Disney."

The judge’s decision means the case will either go to trial or be settled out of court. Carano's lawsuit demands her rehiring and seeks at least $75,000 in damages. While the demand for rehiring is seen as unlikely, a settlement might be considered by Disney.

ALSO READ | Gina Carano reveals why the fight with Ronda Rousey did not happen

Carano's career has been notably impacted by her firing, leading her to star in conservative-funded films like Terror on the Prairie and My Son Hunter. The case will explore whether the harm to her career is due to her actions or Disney's response.

As the legal battle continues, the entertainment industry watches closely to see how this high-profile dispute will unfold.