“The Americans” Showrunner Criticizes Writers Guild for Silence on Hamas Attack on Israel
Joel Fields, the showrunner of critically acclaimed TV series “The Americans,” has openly criticized the Writers Guild of America (WGA) for its failure to issue a statement condemning the recent Hamas attack on Israel. Speaking at Variety’s Hollywood & Antisemitism Summit, Fields expressed his disappointment with the WGA’s silence on the issue, stating that the organization has let them down by not taking a stance.
Fields’ remarks followed an open letter signed by him and other industry figures, including Jerry Seinfeld, Eli Roth, and Jenji Kohan, criticizing the WGA for its lack of response. The letter argued that the guild had “lost the plot” by remaining silent on the attack. In contrast, other unions, such as SAG-AFTRA and the Directors Guild of America, condemned the attack in their statements last week.
The WGA has not provided any explanation for its failure to issue a statement. Some speculate that the guild may be hesitant to upset members whose sympathies lean more toward the Palestinians, while others suggest that it is simply trying to avoid a controversial topic. However, Ilana Wernick, a writer-producer, went further to accuse the WGA of having a “Jew-hating problem” and criticized what she referred to as the guild’s ideological hostility.
Wernick argues that the failure to issue a statement is rooted in an ideology based on “wokism” that prioritizes perception and feelings over factual reality. She believes that this ideology has led to the perception that the oppressed are always right, while the oppressors are always wrong. Wernick also expressed concern about the impact of cancel culture, fearing that villains have been turned into heroes on college campuses.
Fields highlighted the irony that Hollywood, which began as a refuge for Jews, has now become a “safe space” in which anti-Semitism is beginning to emerge. He expressed his disbelief that anti-Semitism has become more prevalent in recent times. Several studios, as well as Hollywood stars, have issued public statements or made contributions condemning the Hamas attack.
The WGA’s silence on the issue has sparked a debate within the industry, with some calling for the guild to take a clear stand against acts of violence. As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen whether the WGA will address the criticism and issue a statement regarding the attack on Israel.