Let's not forget those who betrayed the people striking the fat cat studio execs for equitable pay (residuals), pensions and health care funds, in addition to not using AI to replace writers:
...“It has been five months, and it is time to bring people back to work,” Maher tweeted. “The writers have important issues that I sympathize with, and hope they are addressed to their satisfaction, but they are not the only people with issues, problems, and concerns.” [snip]
“Bill Maher’s decision to go back on the air while his Guild is on strike is disappointing. If he goes forward with his plan, he needs to honor more than ‘the spirit of the strike’. Bill Maher is obligated as a WGA member to follow the strike rules and not perform any writing services. It is difficult to imagine how Real Time with Bill Maher can go forward without a violation of WGA strike rules taking place. WGA will be picketing this show,” the union said in a statement...
As ticket-holders for The Drew Barrymore Show lined up along the CBS Broadcast Center entrance Tuesday, Writers Guild of America members and Barrymore’s three co-head writers circled the block chanting and cheering in protest. According to the WGA, the daytime talk show is “a WGA covered, struck show that is planning to return without its writers,” making Barrymore’s decision to resume filming her show amid the writers’ strike “in violation of WGA strike rules.” The Drew Barrymore Show plans to debut its fourth season on Sept. 18.
Although other daytime talk shows have resumed production — The View has been airing new episodes amid the writers’ strike, and The Jennifer Hudson Show will also premiere Sept. 18 — Barrymore has found herself at the center of a PR firestorm over her decision to very publicly resume production of her show, announcing the decision to the media in a Sept. 6 press release, and defending the move on social media. Barrymore has subsequently been branded a “scab” by WGA members striking for fairer working conditions, and West Wing actor Bradley Whitford tweeted, “We’ll never forget it.” ...
Nor should we. What self- centered assholes.
A subsequent half-assed no-pology to the union from Barrymore (who is still going forward with her show) was roundly criticized by her fellow actors, WGA, and SAG/AFTRA.
UPDATE: After facing a firestorm of criticism, Barrymore has now announced she's "paused" her show's new season.
UPDATE II: Maher now says he will delay new episodes of his show until the strike is over.
(Image: scabs forever/ Getty Images)
