Which Celebrities Are Voicing Their Support For The Writer’s Strike?

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is officially on strike, seeking better compensation, well-regulated AI, and other concessions from studios and streamers.

The guild’s official statement described a shifting media landscape where the rise of streaming, the erosion of residuals and the looming threat of generative AI has left writers facing an “existential crisis.”

“The companies’ behavior has created a gig economy inside a union workforce, and their immovable stance in this negotiation has betrayed a commitment to further devaluing the profession of writing. From their refusal to guarantee any level of weekly employment in episodic television, to the creation of a “day rate” in comedy variety, to their stonewalling on free work for screenwriters and on AI for all writers, they have closed the door on their labor force and opened the door to writing as an entirely freelance profession. No such deal could ever be contemplated by this membership.”

Many celebrities have already voiced their support for the strike, starting on Monday’s Met Gala, as a clip of Amanda Seyfried enthusiastically cheering on the writers went viral. The actress told Variety: “Everything changed with streaming and everyone needs to be compensated for their work. It’s f***ing easy. I don’t get it.”

Jimmy Fallon said, “I wouldn’t have a show if it wasn’t for my writers and I support them all the way,” and added that the Tonight Show would pause to respect the strike. “Whatever I can do to support the guild,” Fallon said. “I’m actually in the guild as well, so yeah. I couldn’t do my show without them. I support my whole staff.”

Abbott Elementary star and creator Quinta Brunson, who is also a member of the guild, told the Associated Press, “I’m a member of WGA and support WGA, and them getting — we, us — getting what we need.” Brunson also shared the guild’s statement regarding the strike on Instagram.

Brian Tyree Henry of Atlanta told Variety: “I just hope that everyone is treated equally…People strike for a reason.”

Olivia Wilde, director of Don’t Worry Darling, said: “I support the writers … I support unions and they’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what they deserve. I wish it didn’t have to come to this.”

Late-night hosts Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert, both of whom are members of the WGA, offered their support for the strike, emphasizing that the demands of the WGA were reasonable, and confirming that their shows simply wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of their writers. Late-night shows, which are topical and rely on quick writing, are going to be the first affected by the strike.

Many more celebrities, showrunners and writers took to social media to show their support, and explain why the members of the WGA voted to strike.

Rachel Shukert, showrunner of The Baby-Sitters Club, wrote, “The objectively hilarious thing about streaming is that they looked at this hugely profitable business & were like: “But wait, how brilliant would it be if we took away every possible way to make $ but one? Syndication, gone! Advertising, gone! Box office, gone! We’re geniuses!”

Actress Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted, “Writers are ESSENTIAL. I stand with the @WGAWest. They deserve what they have been asking for. I pray the producers go back to the table with a deal they can say yes to.”

Boots Riley, director of Sorry To Bother You, wrote that he would stand in solidarity with the striking writers and would not be promoting his new show, I’m A Virgo, until the strike is resolved. Riley went on to clarify that “pretty much all the showrunners are doing this.”

Melanie Lynskey of The Last of Us tweeted, “There is no industry without writers. They deserve to be able to make a living!”

Daniel Kwan, director and writer of Everything Everywhere All at Once, posted a series of infographics to highlight the necessity of the strike, writing, “It’s about writers getting their fair share.”

Many writers took the opportunity to point to the increasing wealth gap in Hollywood, and to clarify that writers are not nearly as financially stable as most people assume. Some called out “corporate greed” and spoke of their struggles to stay afloat, while others pointed to record profits and CEO bonuses.

Adam Conover of Adam Ruins Everything posted the WGA’s list of proposals, and expressed deep anger toward the studios.

Considering the gargantuan amount of films and TV shows currently available on streaming, for the average viewer, its probably a good time for a writer’s strike.

There’s just so much out there that most working people couldn’t possibly have time to watch it all; now’s the chance to catch up.