Media giant The Walt Disney Company DIS failed to have a lawsuit filed by former "Mandalorian" star Gina Carano dismissed.
What Happened: Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett denied Disney’s motion to dismiss Carano’s discrimination lawsuit. The case will now go to trial unless Disney and Carano can settle beforehand.
Carano was let go from the Star Wars show that streams on Disney+ after the studio deemed her social media posts “abhorrent” and “denigrating” to people’s cultural and religious identities.
The actress and former mixed martial artist claims she was terminated due to having conservative political beliefs.
X owner Elon Musk backed her complaint financially.
"A lot of billionaires put their money into buying islands and building bunkers. Elon Musk is using his money to fight massive injustice battles," Carano previously said.
Carano celebrated the news with a new post on social media saying she is "moved to tears" by the lawsuit moving forward.
Why It's Important: The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, will test employers can retaliate against workers for political activities outside of work, according to Bloomberg Law.
Disney was also likely hoping to avoid a very public lawsuit that involves their Star Wars franchise and Musk's name.
Disney argued that the lawsuit should be thrown out due to First Amendment rights.
"After a brutal 3 ½ years, I am being given the opportunity to move forward in the court of law before the judge and my peers to clear my name. I am so grateful for this opportunity," Carano said.
Carano also thanked Musk for giving her "a fighting chance."
If the court moves to trial, Carano will reportedly be represented by lawyers funded by Musk and X.
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