SAG-AFTRA President warns Hollywood actors will be ‘replaced by machines’

Fran Drescher delivered a furious speech on Thursday confirming SAG-AFTRA’s intentions to go on strike.

She condemned “disgusting” Hollywood CEOs who earned $100s of millions while working actors struggle to make a living.

10s of thousands of actors are set to stop working and join the ongoing Writers Guild of America on the picket line to fight for fair pay.

“We stand in solidarity, in unprecedented unity – our union, and our sister unions,” she said.

“Unions around the world are standing by us, as well as other labor unions. Because at some point, the jig is up.

“You cannot keep being dwindled and marginalized, and disrespected and dishonored. The entire business model has been changed by streaming, digital, A.I.

“This is a moment of history that is a moment of truth. If we don’t stand tall right now, we are all going to be in trouble.

“We are all going to be in jeopardy of being replaced by machines and big business, who cares more about Wall Street than you and your family.”

Both actors and writers are fighting to protect their careers in an ever-changing industry.

Streaming models have depleted many artists’ residual pay, whilst the spread of AI over the past few months threatens to take away the need for human labour altogether.

In her five-minute speech, Drescher directly challenged the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) for being on the “wrong side of history”.

“You cannot change the business model as much as it has changed, and not expect the contract to change, too,” she continued.

“We’re not going to keep doing incremental changes on a contract that no longer honors what is happening right now, with this business model that was foisted upon us. What are we doing?

“Moving around furniture on the Titanic? It’s crazy. So the jig is up, AMPTP!

“We stand tall. You have to wake up and smell the coffee. We are labor and we stand tall, and we demand respect, and to be honored for our contribution. You share the wealth because you cannot exist without us.”

The strike unofficially kicked off when the cast of Oppenheimer – including Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt – walked out of the film’s London premiere to prepare for the strike starting at midnight on Thursday.