Speaking at Sunday’s SAG Awards, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher urged Hollywood to flex its economic muscle to democratize states where civil and human rights are under attack.
“Our industry brings billions of manufacturing dollars to states across the country,” she said, “but if they want our business, we need to use our financial influence to get governors to act in the best interests of freedom, diversity, inclusion and. .. To act democracy.” As my character Bobbi Flekman said This is spinal tap‘Money talks and nonsense walks!’”
She also again called for an end to the industry’s Covid vaccination mandate, which gives employers the right to require vaccinations as a condition of employment. “And as the nation announces an end to the Covid emergency in May,” she said, “I hope everyone returns to work with an equal opportunity!”
Current Hollywood Covid protocols expire on April 1st.
As today’s protest outside the awards ceremony shows, many opponents of the mandate believe it discriminates against employers who refuse to be vaccinated on religious or medical grounds.
RELATED: SAG Awards – Complete Deadline Coverage
In her remarks, Drescher also talked about the Guild’s efforts to combat ageism and their work to make Hollywood more environmentally conscious.
Here is the full text of the speech she gave tonight:
good evening everyone,
This year marks the first of what will hopefully be a long partnership for the SAG Awards and Netflix. Many thanks to DGA, WGA, AFM, IATSE and Teamsters for today’s show!
I am proud to say that SAG-AFTRA and MPA formed the Green Council, the largest joint effort by stars and studios to save the planet since World War II.
Mission 1: An honor system to eliminate single-use plastic behind the scenes on camera and use star power to challenge audiences around the world to do the same!
Lucky Seniors of which I am one…can’t hear it enough! If you are a Medicare member in good standing, you are entitled to a complimentary benefit. wow!
A big thank you to IMDb for taking a stand AGAINST ageism, stereotyping and gender rigidity by allowing our members to choose their own path on their profile page – for FREE. Well done!
And as the nation announces an end to the Covid emergency in May, I hope we all get back to work with an equal opportunity!
Artists enrich our lives exponentially, so let’s make some noise to pass the Performing Arts Tax Parity Act and the American Music Fairness Act.
SAG-AFTRA and the NFLPA co-founded Actors & Athletes for Democracy. We are the biggest influencers on the planet and we must promote freedom for ALL.
Our industry brings billions of manufacturing dollars to states across the country, but if they want our business, we must use our financial power to direct governors to act in the best interests of freedom, diversity, inclusion and democracy.
As my character Bobbi Flekman said This is spinal tap“Money talks, nonsense goes!”
Enjoy this evening everyone and break your leg!
Source: Deadline
Bernice Bonaparte is an author and entertainment journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a passion for pop culture and a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest entertainment news, Bernice has become a trusted source for information on the entertainment industry.
