A California Superior Court judge rejected Disneyโs request for a temporary restraining order that sought to prevent Justin Connolly from working at YouTube.
Last month, after Connolly left Disney to join YouTube as global VP of media and sports partnerships, Disney sued YouTube and Connolly, alleging breach of contract, tortious interference in a contractual relationship and unfair competition.
Judge James C. Chalfant issued a ruling Wednesday denying Disneyโs motion for an injunction after a hearing in the matter earlier in the day. The judge cited three reasons for the decision: Disneyโs โLack of showing of emergencyโ; that the โBalance of harms works in favor or Mr. Connollyโ; and that Disney โhas not demonstrated a probability of success on the merits.โ
Asked for comment, a Disney spokesperson said, โWe are disappointed in todayโs ruling, but will continue to pursue our legal remedies.โ YouTube declined to comment.
According to Disneyโs lawsuit, Connolly had signed a three-year contract in November 2024, which his move to YouTube allegedly violated. But according to YouTube, Disney employed Connolly on an at-will basis.
YouTube also challenged Disneyโs request for โemergency relief,โ arguing that โDisney has known for over six weeks that Mr. Connolly intended to leave Disney and join YouTube.โ
