WGA West President Michel Mulroney addresses the No Kings protest
Recently elected President of the Writers Guild of America West, Michelle Mulroney, gave a rousing speech at the No Kings protests in Los Angeles, denouncing President Donald Trump and his administration’s recent actions that limit Hollywood writers’ freedom of expression, specifically by targeting late-night shows.
“I am here today representing our union, the Writers Guild of America West, and our 11,000 film, television and news writers,” Mulroney began. “As writers, our currency is words and stories. The freedom to express ourselves is a fundamental American right and the core of our democracy. And it is under attack by this administration. They are using every tool in their arsenal to silence voices of dissent.”
She continued: “In the past few months, we have witnessed direct attacks on members of the Writers Syndicate who use their platforms to criticize or question this administration. In July, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert It was abruptly canceled after Colbert made comments about Paramount’s settlement with Trump. then, Jimmy Kimmel Live! He was suspended in September for a monologue that was mildly critical of Trump’s followers. Shortly after Kimmel’s suspension, the President of the United States publicly called for the cancellation of two more Writers Guild members: Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon.
“Not only do these late-night shows provide hundreds of good union jobs and much-needed laughter in these turbulent times, they entertain and inform audiences across the country,” Mulroney added. “They do much more than just tell jokes, they tell the truth. Some people clearly can’t handle the truth.”
Continuing, Mulroney noted that this issue is not just about Tinseltown: “It’s not just about Hollywood. It’s about our fundamental right as human beings to disagree with those in power. To debate, to think, to question ideas. That is one of the foundations of civil society.”
Mulroney also highlighted “a free and independent media where facts can be reported without repercussions” as one of the fundamental principles of a democratic people. “But we now find ourselves in an era of unified media in which an increasing number of gatekeepers control what we see on television. We have all heard the FCC claim that ‘the public interest is best served by allowing the free expression of views,’” and yet Brendan Carr, Chairman of the FCC, does not hesitate to support attacks on those who challenge the administration’s rhetoric.
She continued: “Make no mistake: Big business has pushed for the creation of a pro-business administration that will allow them to consolidate their control over the media at the expense of freedom of expression. Instead of diversity of expression, we have an administration that uses media giants to impose a single, indisputable narrative and commit acts of blatant political censorship.”
Concluding her speech, Mulroney stated that the WGA “will not stand idly by and let these attacks go unaddressed.”
“The Writers Guild stands here today, with all of you, to say loudly and proudly that we will speak our minds, write our truths, tell our stories, and fight hard for free speech and independent media. When our voices are strong and clear, when our words are powerful, we cannot be silenced. We have learned time and time again that when we fight? we win!” “When we fight!” she said, leading a chant. We win!”
In preparation for today’s No Kings, the WGA West Instagram account He posted photos of members coming together to make signs.
Millions took to the streets across the country to support the second round of “No Kings” protests. Notable Hollywood celebrities such as Glenn Close, Spike Lee and Jean Smart have expressed their resounding support for Dissent Day across the country.
In addition to Mulroney, well-known political and media figures took to stages in various cities to address voters who came to demonstrate. In Washington, D.C., Bernie Sanders, Bill Nye and Journalist Mehdi Hassan He issued warnings against the country’s creep towards fascism.
Katie Campione contributed to this report.