Mandalorian's Gina Carano Sues Disney with Elon Musk Funding, Cites LGBTQ+ Bias

Joe Benarroch, Head of Business Operations at X, affirmed the company's dedication to free speech, stating, "As a sign of X Corp's commitment to free speech, we're proud to provide financial support for Gina Carano's lawsuit, empowering her to seek vindication of her free speech rights on X and the ability to work without bullying, harassment, or discrimination."

In response to the controversy, Carano clarified her position on X, stating, "My words were consistently twisted to demonize & dehumanize me as an alt-right wing extremist." According to the documents of the legal filing under Schaerr Jaffe LLP, Disney insisted that Carano, who received $25,000 per episode as a guest actor along with a negotiated $5,000 bonus, meet with representatives from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination and issue a public apology.

The complaint asserts that the defendants attempted to coerce her publicist into making a statement acknowledging her alleged mockery of an entire group of people, a claim Carano denies. Refusing to comply, Carano was allegedly instructed to meet with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and 45 LGBTQ+ identified employees, a meeting she declined. Shortly thereafter, she was terminated from The Mandalorian and other Star Wars titles, including Rangers of the New Republic.

Carano further claims that Disney engaged in a post-termination smear campaign, highlighting the removal and subsequent airing of an episode of 'Running Wild With Bear Grylls' in which she appeared.

Despite the episode's eventual broadcast, Disney allegedly omitted her name and likeness from promotional materials. In addition, Carano asserted that The Mandalorian lead actor Pedro Pascal had made similar comments on his social media, but did not receive the same treatment from Disney.

The lawsuit attributes Disney's termination as the catalyst for UTA and Carano's transactional lawyer severing ties with her. Carano is seeking damages for wrongful discharge, sex discrimination, and a court order to compel Lucasfilm to recast her, along with a minimum of $75,000 in compensation plus punitive damages.

Carano expressed gratitude for Musk's support, stating (apparently with a straight face, which, impressive), "I am honored that my case has been chosen to be supported by the company that has been one of the last glimmers of hope for free speech in the world."

With The Mandalorian now expanding into an upcoming theatrical movie, how will Gina Carano's lawsuit affect its production? If Carano wins her case, would the Rangers of the New Republic spinoff be revived?