Actor Ron Perlman Calls Out Studio Executive Over Insensitive Comments About WGA Strikers
Hollywood actor Ron Perlman has unleashed his fury on a studio executive who made disparaging comments about the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike. The executive, whose identity remains anonymous, suggested that the strike should continue until union members start losing their homes and apartments, a remark that Perlman found deeply insensitive.
The comments were made in an article published by Deadline, where the executive was quoted as saying, “The endgame is to allow things to drag on until union members start losing their apartments and losing their houses.”
“We know who said that, and where he f—ing lives. Be careful.”
Perlman took to Instagram to express his anger and warn the executive to “be careful” with his words. In a now-deleted post, the actor condemned the comments as an attempt to make families suffer and criticized the executive for earning millions while “creating nothing.”
The ongoing strikes by both the WGA and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have caused major disruptions in the entertainment industry. As negotiations for better pay and employment protections continue, productions for popular films like “Deadpool 3” and “Mission Impossible 8” have been put on hold indefinitely.
Support for the strikes has been pouring in from various members of the industry. Perlman, along with actor Sean Gunn and others, have stood in solidarity with the striking unions. Cast members of the highly anticipated film “Oppenheimer” even walked out of the movie’s U.K. premiere after the actors’ strike was announced.
The WGA strike, which started in early May, is a response to the industry’s shift towards streaming production and demands for fair compensation. The strikes have prompted networks to shift their focus to unscripted programs, such as reality shows, as the work stoppages continue.
The situation escalated further when Sean Gunn, known for his roles in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Gilmore Girls,” criticized Disney CEO Bob Iger for his comments about the strikes. Gunn called out Iger’s enormous salary compared to the lowest-paid workers in his company, stating, “That makes you a s— person if that’s your answer.”
The industry is experiencing a transformative period, as unions fight for better rights and compensation in an increasingly digital landscape. The outcome of the strikes will greatly impact the future of the entertainment industry and the well-being of its workers.