Fran Drescher In SAG Awards Speech Urges Hollywood To Apply Pressure On States To Affect Change; Again Calls For End To Vax Mandate
deadline.comSAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher, speaking during Sunday’s SAG Awards, called on Hollywood to flex its economic muscles to democratize states where civil and human rights are under attack. “Our industry brings billions of production dollars to states across the nation,” she said, “but if they want our business, let’s wield our financial influence to make governors act in the best interest of freedom, diversity, inclusion and democracy.
As my character Bobbi Flekman said in This Is Spinal Tap, ‘Money talks and bullsh*t 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 declares an end to the Covid emergency this May,” she said, “I hope we will see everyone return to work in equal opportunity!” The current Hollywood Covid protocols are set to expire April 1.
As evidenced by the protest tonight outside the awards show, many opponents of the mandate believe that it allows employers to discriminate against those who refuse to be vaccinated on religious or medical grounds.
In her remarks, Drescher also touched on the guild’s efforts to combat ageism, and on her work to make Hollywood more environmentally conscious.
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