Actress Gina Carano has initiated legal action against Disney and Lucasfilm after her dismissal in 2021 for a controversial social media post comparing being a Republican to being a Jew during the Holocaust. The lawsuit, seeking $75,000 (£60,000) in damages, is financially backed by Elon Musk, who urged others to join the legal effort via his platform.
Carano, known for her role as Cara Dune in Disney+’s The Mandalorian, engaged in frequent online clashes with left-wing critics. The pivotal moment leading to her termination occurred when she posted on Instagram, drawing parallels between the persecution of Jews by the Nazis and the treatment of Republicans today. Lucasfilm promptly severed ties with the actress, citing her posts as “abhorrent and unacceptable.”
In the lawsuit filed in a California federal court, Carano seeks not only damages but also an order for Lucasfilm to recast her character. The 59-page document alleges wrongful termination and retaliation, employing Star Wars references to illustrate the narrative. Carano contends that her firing was a result of expressing her opinions and resisting pressure from an “online bully mob” enforcing a progressive ideology.
The legal filing asserts gender bias, claiming that two male co-stars faced no consequences despite writing or sharing posts online maligning Republicans as Nazis. Carano argues that her treatment was disparate and points out inconsistencies in the company’s response.
Notably, Carano does not implicate her former talent agency, UTA, in the lawsuit, attributing the fault solely to The Walt Disney Company for her dismissal. The legal action underscores her belief in defending individual rights, asserting that artists do not forfeit their rights as citizens when employed.
Elon Musk, who has previously pledged support for individuals facing discrimination for their posts on X, expressed pride in backing Carano’s lawsuit, emphasising the commitment to free speech. Carano, in a statement on X, characterised her experience as a “bullying smear campaign” and thanked Musk and supporters for their backing. Musk encouraged others to join the legal battle against Disney. Representatives for the defendants have not yet commented on the lawsuit.
