Horacio Gutiérrez, Disney’s top lawyer, is leading the company’s First Amendment clash with the Trump administration over ABC broadcast license renewals. Before joining Disney, Gutiérrez defended Microsoft in antitrust cases and challenged Apple while at Spotify. He argued Disney must fight the FCC’s early renewal request in court, a move supported by former CEO Bob Iger.
The FCC claims the review concerns Disney’s DEI initiatives and potential unlawful discrimination, not free speech. Gutiérrez has assembled a high-profile legal team including former Solicitor General Paul Clement and trial lawyer Beth Wilkinson. U.S. District Judge Loren Ali Khan will hear arguments on Disney’s request to block the FCC review. The case stems from nearly two years of tensions, including ABC’s $15 million settlement with Trump’s foundation and $1 million in legal fees over a defamation suit involving anchor George Stephanopoulos.
Trump has called for firing Jimmy Kimmel and revoking ABC’s license over election fraud speech coverage. The FCC, chaired by Brendan Carr, also questions whether 'The View' should retain its equal-time exemption. Gutiérrez believes the settlement was misread as weakness and insists Disney must protect editorial independence.
Source: Wall Street Journal US Business · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing