USWeekly Celebrities Who’ve Joined the SAG-AFTRA Strike Picket Lines: Bette Midler, Susan Sarandon, Kevin Bacon, and More By Kaitlin Simpson July 20, 2023
The biggest names in Hollywood are showing their support for the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike by joining their fellow union members on the picket lines. Bette Midler and her Daughter, Sophie, Join The SAG-AFTRA Picket Line
In July, the labor union — which represents more than 160,000 TV and film actors — voted to go on strike after the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) did not reach an agreement on fair wages and the use of artificial intelligence in the industry. Back in May, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) also voted to go on strike. SAG president, Fran Drescher, confirmed that the group would be striking alongside WGA
“This is a very seminal hour for us. I went in thinking that we would be able to avert a strike. The gravity of this move is not lost on me,” Drescher stated in a press conference on July 13. “It’s a very serious thing that impacts thousands, if not millions of people all across this country and around the world. Not only members of this union, but people who work in other industries that service the people that work in this industry. … We had no choice. We are the victims here. We are being victimized by a very greedy entity.”
Meanwhile, the AMPTP shared in a statement that they were “deeply disappointed that SAG-AFTRA has decided to walk away from negotiations,” adding, “This is the Union’s choice, not ours. In doing so, it has dismissed our offer of historic pay and residual increases, substantially higher caps on pension and health contributions, audition protections, shortened series option periods, a groundbreaking AI proposal that protects actors’ digital likenesses, and more.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 18: Bette Midler and Susan Sarandon are seen at the SAG-AFTRA strike picket line on July 18, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)
The test worked. I can see the SAG-AFTRA picket line post fine. Do you know who the lady is walking with Bette. She has a Susan Sarandon vibe about her, but I don’t think it’s her. Bette Sussman?? She has one of those faces, that looks familiar, like I’ve seen her before, but I just can’t quite nail it down.
Oh, and good for Bette and Sophie joining the picket line. Bette put in a few tweets about the issue that was pretty well received. I think the issue is mostly about future revenue from residuals and AI. Bette is still pretty burned about Spotify (and streaming) taking all the money from artists when their songs play. Instead of getting pennies on the dollar, I think they’re getting pennies on the penny now. As for AI, I think back on the precedent Bette set in the lawsuit Bette Midler vs. Ford Motor Company (was that way back in the 80’s?), whereas an artist/personality essentially holds the copyright to their voice/caricature/persona/mannerisms, etc. I think that should be referenced when artificial intelligence tries to claim property rights for impersonating celebrities. There was already a lawsuit on that, and Bette won!!
This is a test
sos
The test worked. I can see the SAG-AFTRA picket line post fine. Do you know who the lady is walking with Bette. She has a Susan Sarandon vibe about her, but I don’t think it’s her. Bette Sussman?? She has one of those faces, that looks familiar, like I’ve seen her before, but I just can’t quite nail it down.
Oh, and good for Bette and Sophie joining the picket line. Bette put in a few tweets about the issue that was pretty well received. I think the issue is mostly about future revenue from residuals and AI. Bette is still pretty burned about Spotify (and streaming) taking all the money from artists when their songs play. Instead of getting pennies on the dollar, I think they’re getting pennies on the penny now. As for AI, I think back on the precedent Bette set in the lawsuit Bette Midler vs. Ford Motor Company (was that way back in the 80’s?), whereas an artist/personality essentially holds the copyright to their voice/caricature/persona/mannerisms, etc. I think that should be referenced when artificial intelligence tries to claim property rights for impersonating celebrities. There was already a lawsuit on that, and Bette won!!
Thanks, as always, for all that you do! xoxo
–Ron
Thank you Ron!!!
Hey, it’s working now…LOL
Yay, I hope Susan pushes Bette (even farther) to the left LOL. Dammit, Susan Sarandon! LOL
Sorry, I couldn’t help myself hahahahah
Yes, let’s kick some corporate asses! Loved it.