Disney and YouTube have settled in the breach of contract case over former president of Disney Platform Distribution Justin Connolly’s hiring.
Disney and YouTube Settle Breach of Contract Case
After several months of legal back-and-forth, Disney and YouTube have settled in the breach of contract case over executive Justin Connolly.
Deadline reports that “A Notice of Settlement of Entire Case has been filed in this case” in an order placed in the LA Superior Court docket on Wednesday. The previous day, Disney’s attorneys announced the settlement via filing:
“The settlement agreement conditions dismissal of this matter on the satisfactory completion of specified terms that are not to be performed within 45 days of the date of the settlement. A request for dismissal will be filed no later than (date): January 5, 2026.”
A hearing on the dismissal is set for January 5, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Justin Connolly
Connolly joined Disney over 20 years ago as Director of ESPN Strategy and Operations. He held several positions over the years, most recently President of Disney Platform Distribution, a role which he held for about five years. Connolly left Disney in May, even though he had re-upped his three-year contract earlier in the year.
Disney vs. YouTube
On May 21, Disney filed a breach of contract lawsuit to block Connolly from starting his new role as the global head of media and sports for YouTube, citing his knowledge of confidential information and trade secrets. YouTube filed a rebuttal in which they claimed Disney was using Connolly as a “pawn to advance the renegotiation of its license renewal with YouTube.” In June, a judge rejected Disney’s bid for a restraining order to keep Connolly from beginning his new job.
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