The CEO of Disney was criticized this week for being “tone deaf” when he said, “There’s a level of expectation that they have, that is just not realistic. And they are adding to the set of the challenges that this business is already facing that is, quite frankly, very disruptive” in reference to the Writers Guild strike and the Screen Actors Guild strike.
Fran Drescher the SAG AFTRA union president said that Iger is out of touch. That he and other studio executives are like land barons who are earning tens of millions per year. Se said they cannot relate to the “hard-working” journeyman, actors and writers who are being “cheated”.
I like Fran Drescher. She had the balls to call it out. Of course deca millionaires cannot relate to common, working class people.
Iger’s estimated net worth is $350 million. He has nothing in common with a writer or actor who is trying to cobble together a decent living as a freelancer working on sitcoms, reality shows and streaming series.
Iger has been uber wealthy for at least 40 years, when he became head of ABC Entertainment. He’ hasn’t ‘s never had to worry about making rent, paying for healthcare or funding college tuition for his kids (or their kids). He flies on private jets, owns mansions, and enjoys a luxurious life.
Just like all the uber rich people.
None of them can relate.
The best they can do is pretend to relate.
- Trump lies and complains as if he has been “screwed over” like working class Americans.
- Politicians spout out platitudes about “the Middle Class” while making millions from insider trading, back-door deals, PACs and cushy golden parachute contracts after leaving office.
- Star actors, musicians and athletes may have come from nothing, but their lives of prestige, privilege and sycophants leave them unable to relate to normal people.
But none of this is going to get the Writers and Actors what they want.
Still, I respect Fran Drescher for pointing out the obvious and for being willing to be blackballed, thus running her chance for any future career.
I like a fighter – much more than I like a liar.