LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Gina Carano, former star of “The Mandalorian,” is taking legal action against Disney and Lucasfilm, alleging discrimination and wrongful termination. In a lawsuit filed in a California federal court, Carano claims she was fired for expressing right-wing views on social media and seeks a court order to compel Lucasfilm to recast her. The lawsuit, funded in part by Elon Musk, represents another battleground for influence over Hollywood.
This legal battle stems from Carano’s controversial social media posts, including one in which she compared being a Republican to being Jewish during the Holocaust. The former MMA fighter has a history of posting right-wing opinions on topics such as mask mandates, voter fraud, and Black Lives Matter. Carano alleges that while she faced consequences for her views, her male costars were not held to the same standard.
According to the lawsuit, Disney and Lucasfilm pressured Carano to meet with representatives from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination and demanded a public apology, which she refused. Subsequently, she was terminated from “The Mandalorian” and other Star Wars projects. Carano also claims Disney engaged in a post-termination smear campaign, leading to her talent agency and lawyer dropping her as a client.
The lawsuit brings claims for wrongful discharge and sex discrimination, seeking at least $75,000 in damages plus punitive damages. Carano’s case has gained support from Musk, who pledged to fund legal action for individuals who claim to have faced discrimination due to their activity on his platform. The lawsuit follows a growing trend of clashes between public figures and corporations over freedom of speech and expression.
It remains to be seen how this legal battle will unfold and the potential implications it may have on the entertainment industry. As the case progresses, it is likely to draw attention to the intersection of personal beliefs, free speech, and employment rights.