Disney is facing heavy backlash after a federal court ordered the company to hand over internal records in actress Gina Carano’s wrongful termination lawsuit. This ruling, seen as a major win for free speech advocates, forces Disney to reveal how much it paid other Star Wars actors—a move that could expose unfair treatment of conservative voices in Hollywood. The case has reignited debates over Disney’s “woke” policies and double standards in punishing employees for their political beliefs.
Gina Carano, known for her role in The Mandalorian, was fired in 2021 for sharing conservative opinions online. A judge recently ruled Disney must provide detailed pay records for stars like Pedro Pascal and Rosario Dawson within 20 days. Carano’s legal team argues Disney treated her differently than male co-stars who made liberal political posts. This victory cracks open Disney’s secretive compensation practices, potentially proving bias against right-leaning talent.
Former ESPN host Sage Steele, who settled a lawsuit against Disney after speaking out against COVID vaccine mandates, praised Carano’s courage. Steele called Disney’s legal tactics “bullying” and highlighted how the company silences conservatives while promoting progressive agendas. “They want to control the narrative,” Steele said, noting Disney’s pattern of punishing dissent. Her own battle exposed Disney’s hypocrisy in claiming to support “inclusion” while sidelining employees who don’t conform to left-wing views.
Meanwhile, Disney took no action against Snow White actress Rachel Zegler despite her inflammatory social media posts attacking Trump supporters and endorsing polarizing political causes. Zegler’s comments sparked outrage and contributed to the film’s disastrous $43 million opening—far below its $270 million budget. Critics argue Disney’s refusal to discipline Zegler, while axing Carano for milder statements, reveals a clear double standard favoring liberal voices.
Conservatives point to Disney’s shrinking box office returns and falling stock prices as proof that “woke” policies alienate audiences. The Snow White flop follows other Disney failures like Strange World and Lightyear, which pushed progressive themes over storytelling. Carano’s lawsuit could further damage Disney’s reputation by exposing internal documents showing preferential treatment for actors who toe the company’s ideological line.
Financial analysts warn Disney’s focus on politics over quality has backfired. Once-dominant franchises like Star Wars and Marvel are now struggling, with fans rejecting heavy-handed messaging. The company’s stock has lagged behind the market for over a decade, and legal battles like Carano’s add to growing instability. Disney’s insistence on pushing divisive narratives, critics say, is driving away families and investors alike.
The Carano case has become a rallying cry for conservatives fighting cancel culture. Supporters argue Disney’s targeting of non-conformist employees mirrors broader efforts to silence right-wing perspectives in media. With Elon Musk funding Carano’s lawsuit, the battle is now a high-profile showdown between free speech advocates and corporate censorship.
As Disney scrambles to contain the fallout, many wonder if the company will change course or double down on unpopular policies. For now, Carano’s legal win shines a light on Hollywood’s intolerance for diversity of thought—and the growing resistance to woke corporate overreach. “This isn’t just about me,” Carano said. “It’s about ensuring others don’t face this abuse for speaking their minds.”
