‘Pay Your Writers!': David Zaslav’s Boston University Commencement Speech Booed by WGA Picketers

thewrap.com:

pic.twitter.com/x65XwmIxgDThe boos continued as Zaslav went on to give his prepared remarks to graduating students, which ranged from advice on “focus[ing] on people’s good qualities” to acknowledging one’s shortcomings, though chanting and booing remained audible through the speech.Even before the WBD head began his speech, guild members and supporters loudly booed as it was announced that he would receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the ceremony.Zaslav loudly booed at BU commencement.

Although I’m incapable of being happy, this comes close. pic.twitter.com/qtIaMJJaFbThe WGA’s presence was expected after the guild announced over a week ago that it would picket Zaslav’s commencement speech, though Warner Bros.

Discovery and Boston University remained firm in their commitment to the plans, confirming to TheWrap at the time that the speech would continue as planned.“Zaslav is the last person BU should ask its graduating seniors to look up to.

Zaslav and other Hollywood CEOs are currently refusing to negotiate with striking writers in good faith. Before the strike, Zaslav laid off thousands of media and entertainment workers while personally earning $246 million in 2021 alone,” DSA-LA Hollywood Labor said in a statement on its Action Network page. “His former employees at HBO Max have also accused him of selectively laying off people of color and canceling shows that feature diverse content.”As the WGA strike gears up to enter its fourth week, guild members and supporters have remained united against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which is composed of major studios including Warner Bros.