Elon Musk offers to help finance lawsuits against Disney

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has announced his willingness to financially support individuals seeking legal action against Disney for alleged discrimination.

Musk’s offer, made through his platform X, comes as the latest development in an ongoing feud between him and Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger.

Musk took to X to extend his support to those who claim they have faced discrimination at the hands of Disney or its subsidiaries, including ABC, ESPN, and Marvel.

This initiative coincided with actress Gina Carano’s lawsuit against Disney and Lucasfilm, backed by Musk’s financial support, alleging wrongful termination from the television series “The Mandalorian.”

Animosity brewing

The animosity between Musk and Disney has been brewing for several months, marked by public criticisms and strategic maneuvers.

Musk’s recent tweets criticizing Disney further underscore the intensifying nature of the conflict.

Despite queries regarding Musk’s actions, Iger declined to comment in a CNBC interview, leaving the situation open to speculation. Independent tech analyst Debra Aho Williamson views Musk’s actions as a warning to brands associated with X, suggesting potential consequences for those who provoke his ire.

The rift between Musk and Disney traces back to Disney’s decision to pull advertising from X amid controversies surrounding Musk’s posts on the platform.

Musk responded vehemently, accusing Disney and other advertisers of attempting to blackmail him.

Legal battles

Musk’s support for Carano’s lawsuit follows his previous commitment to fund legal battles for individuals alleging unfair dismissal due to their social media activity.

X reaffirmed its dedication to free speech and empowerment in a statement supporting Carano’s lawsuit.

The feud extends beyond social media clashes, with Musk openly advocating for changes within Disney’s management, including the removal of Iger.

He has also aligned himself with activist shareholder Nelson Peltz, criticizing Disney’s board and advocating for strategic shifts within the company.