A California Superior Court judge rejected Disney‘s 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 Disney’s motion for an injunction after a hearing in the matter earlier in the day. The judge cited three reasons for the decision: Disney’s “Lack of showing of emergency”; that the “Balance of harms works in favor or Mr. Connolly”; and that Disney “has not demonstrated a probability of success on the merits.”
Asked for comment, a Disney spokesperson said, “We are disappointed in today’s ruling, but will continue to pursue our legal remedies.” YouTube declined to comment.
According to Disney’s 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 Disney’s request for “emergency relief,” arguing that “Disney has known for over six weeks that Mr. Connolly intended to leave Disney and join YouTube.”
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