Afrasianet - Actors and entertainment professionals have called on the leadership of the Screen Actors Guild (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) to issue a public statement condemning Israel's ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip, as well as the McCarthyite repression of members who express solidarity with the suffering of Palestinians" in the industry.
In an open letter released Wednesday, more than 700 members of one of Hollywood's largest unions called on their association to take a stand to protect pro-Palestinian voices from being blacklisted in the film and entertainment industry.
"We call on (our leadership) to talk about the targeting and killing of innocent Palestinian civilians, health workers, and our fellow journalists. and eliminate any confusion about our solidarity with workers, artists and the oppressed around the world."
The letter was signed by a number of well-known personalities such as Mark Ruffalo, Cynthia Nixon, Common, Susan Sarandon, Reese Ahmed and Rosie O'Donnell.
The syndicate issued a statement condemning Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7, saying "we regret and condemn the horrific acts of aggression against the Israeli people" but "remain silent" despite "clear human rights violations by Israel and the decades-long occupation of Palestinian territories."
A number of Hollywood stars have come under pressure or been fired by studios and agencies for their criticism of the Israeli offensive on Gaza. Last November, Mexican actress Melissa Barrera was fired from the "Scream" series for her social media posts criticizing Israel's bombing of Gaza, which production company Spyglass Media described as "anti-Semitic".
Barrera has regularly posted about the war on her accounts, including re-sharing a post accusing Israel of committing "genocide and ethnic cleansing." On the same day, Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon was terminated by her talent agency, after speaking at a pro-Palestine rally, where she said people were "starting to get through the brainwashing process" related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Some members of the entertainment industry have reported that they are being "punished" for their support for Palestinians.
Union members noted that they tried several times to reach out to the union's leadership to draft a joint statement, but these efforts were ignored, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Gabrielle Kornbloh, a board member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and leader of the strike, criticized the union's leadership, saying its inaction undermines the solidarity built during the months-long strike last year.
"I lose faith in President Dreicher's ability to lead our union toward justice." "As a Jewish member... Not in my name and not in the name of my union. I say: If our leadership continues to agree with the dehumanization of Palestinians, this is a dereliction of our duty as artists and trade unionists alike."
Source: American Press