'A Short Time Ago, In a Galaxy Not So Far Away ...'

Disney appears to have the same zero tolerance for controversial statements if they are coming from the right of the political spectrum. What is striking is that the other actors routinely disparage roughly half of the country — and half of the market for Disney. The company itself acknowledges that its political agenda is depressing sales and alienating consumers.

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None of that makes this an easy lawsuit. Stars often sign contracts with a clause allowing for termination for conduct that brings “public disrepute, scandal, or embarrassment.” These clauses are written broadly to protect companies and their “brand.”

However, Carano makes a strong case that Disney is applying a political litmus test for public comments of its stars. Indeed, one of the greatest threats of the lawsuit is not the verdict but the discovery if Carano can make it beyond a motion to dismiss. She could demand emails and communications related to the controversy that will expose the inner workings of the House of Mouse.

Ed Morrissey

That's the issue that will drive the outcome of this lawsuit. With Musk's backing (a la that of Reid Hoffman's for E. Jean Carroll), Carano can easily push long enough to force discovery on Disney. And that assumes that more won't leak out on its own, like the "inclusion standards" that Musk published last night and David covered today. It behooves Disney to settle with Carano, and maybe even restore her to the series with some back pay.  

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