Fran Drescher defends smiling ‘selfie’ with Kim Kardashian forward of strike announcement

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Fran Drescher, head of the SAG-AFTRA union, defended herself for attending a publicity occasion in Italy over the weekend whereas contract negotiations between 1000’s of actors and movie studios crumbled.

Throughout a Thursday press convention saying the official begin of the primary actor strike in many years, “The Nanny” star was requested concerning the bashing she obtained for taking a “selfie” with Kim Kardashian throughout a Dolce & Gabbana occasion.

“That wasn’t a selfie,” Drescher stated. “I’m a model ambassador for a trend firm and so is Kim. I had solely met Kim seconds earlier than that publicity image was taken.”

She added: “It had nothing to do with being at a celebration or having enjoyable – it was absolute work … We work, that’s what we do.”

Drescher stated that regardless of being 9 hours forward of her SAG-AFTRA colleagues in Los Angeles who have been working to succeed in an settlement Alliance of Movement Image and Tv Producers (AMPTP), she stored in fixed contact and even left the occasion early to attend a Zoom assembly with union negotiators.

Hollywood has turned on SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher after her picture with Kim Kardashian surfaced following a number of labor strikes.
Instagram/@kimkardashian

“And if I couldn’t get by way of to them as a result of I used to be on a aircraft, I used to be texting with them continually all through the aircraft experience,” Drescher stated.

The union president fell below heavy criticism after an image of herself and Kardashian smiling made its rounds on social media earlier this week.

On the time the picture was taken, AMPTP had prolonged the union’s contract by practically two weeks, although no decision was in sight and talks for a walkout have been underway.


SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher recently spoke at a press conference announcing a strike against Hollywood studios on July 13, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher just lately spoke at a press convention saying a strike in opposition to Hollywood studios on July 13, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 
Getty Photos

“My union president chilling in Italy whereas we’re in the midst of negotiations and about to go on strike,” “Insidious: The Final Key” actor Kirk Acevedo tweeted Monday.

“We’re asking to be higher compensated by the studios and Fran Drescher is mugging for cameras in Italy. The optics look f–king horrible.”

Actress Laura Lee wrote: “Hey @frandrescher, why are you gallivanting round when our strike is looming? Tremendous unhealthy look. And with Kim, who just lately crossed the WGA picket line, no much less. #gross.”


Fran Drescher with other union members after negotiations ended with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the entity that represents major studios and streamers
Fran Drescher with different union members after negotiations ended with the Alliance of Movement Image and Tv Producers, the entity that represents main studios and streamers.
REUTERS

“Perry Mason” actor Eric Lange tweeted, “This can be a actually unhealthy f–king look, @frandrescher. It’s astonishing that, on the eve of a probable strike, whereas persons are shedding their properties, their medical health insurance, and many others you’re partying it up with Kim in Italy. Astonishing and indefensible.”

Actor Gerald Webb added: “Is @frandrescher handing out @dolcegabbana luggage to all the unemployed and shortly to be placing @sag members to pay their hire and purchase their groceries? utterly #tonedeaf.” 

“This can be a clear instance of how out of contact the president is with the vast majority of the rank-and-file membership,” Maya Dunbar, who’s working in opposition to Drescher for SAG-AFTRA president, stated in an announcement, in line with Deadline.


WGA strikers
The SAG-AFTRA strike follows the WGA strike, with related considerations about streaming royalties and the potential of AI job alternative.
Getty Photos

“Whereas most members are at present questioning if there’s going to be a strike and the way they’ll pay the hire, their dues and afford to supply for his or her households in the course of the worst financial stability in recent times, she’s off taking pics with celebrities extensively identified and shamed for crossing WGA picket line.”

SAG-AFTRA rushed to Drescher’s protection within the rapid wake of the backlash, claiming that the negotiating committee understood her dedication to Dolce and Gabbana.

“She has been in negotiations each day both in particular person or through videoconference. President Drescher is managing a bodily demanding schedule throughout three time zones, overseeing negotiations and dealing on location each day in addition to managing her mother and father’ wants in Florida. She is returning to the states and can be on the bottom in LA tomorrow and can proceed to chair our negotiations,” the union stated.

Duncan Crabtree-Eire, co-chair of SAG-AFTRA, reiterated the help Thursday, stating it was “outrageous” for employers to “cynically attempt to flip our members in opposition to Fran.”

The union unanimously voted Thursday to cease working after their contract expired and talks broke off with AMPTP.

The strike — doubled with the continuing walkout by Writers Guild of America screenwriters — successfully shuts down manufacturing throughout the leisure trade.

Each SAG-AFTRA and WGA are demanding will increase in base pay and residuals within the streaming-TV period, plus assurances that their work is not going to get replaced by synthetic intelligence.

The strike formally kicks off at midnight Friday.

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