Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Netflix CEO Dragged For Hypocrisy After Claiming He Was 'Raised In A Union Household'

Ted Sarandos
Dave Benett/Getty Images

Ted Sarandos referenced his union electrician father in a statement that didn't go over well with striking WGA and SAG-AFTRA members.

Amidst the tension of the ongoing Hollywood writers and actors' strike, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos made a much-derided attempt at sympathy, sharing a personal anecdote about his upbringing in a union household in a statement about Netflix's quarterly earnings.

Sarandos highlighted his childhood experiences, recalling his father's role as a union electrician and the impact of strikes on their family. He acknowledged the financial and emotional toll that strikes take on families.


He wrote:

“I remember his local because that union was very much a part of our lives when I was growing up."
"And I also remember on more than one occasion my dad being out on strike."
"And I remember that because it takes an enormous toll on your family, financially and emotionally.”

However, his comments did not sit well with the striking workers.

They called out his statement on Twitter, questioning the sincerity of his words as industry insiders have also expressed skepticism about Sarandos' claim Netflix was "constantly" negotiating with the unions.

Netflix has faced extensive criticism from labor unions. One of the primary points of contention is Netflix's approach to residual pay, which is notably lower compared to network TV. This has led to actors from hit shows having to take on second jobs to make ends meet.

While Sarandos tried to evoke empathy by sharing his personal connection to unions, his words were met with skepticism and even backlash. Many workers view his story as hollow, especially considering the stark contrast between the substantial compensation he received last year—to the tune of $50 million—and the challenges faced by underpaid and laid-off Netflix employees.

Many criticized his hypocrisy as a result.









The Writers Guild of America (WGA) initiated their strike on May 2, and SAG-AFTRA followed suit on July 13, marking the first double strike of actors and writers since 1960.

Both unions have united in their fight for higher wages, fair compensation from streaming platforms, and protection against the encroachment of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.

The impact of these strikes is far-reaching, and they have the potential to significantly affect California's economy. The last writers' strike in 2007-08 cost an estimated $2.1 billion, and with both unions now halting work, a much higher toll is anticipated.

As the strikes continue, the demands of the actors and writers stand firm, representing a united front against the studios' negotiation tactics and a determined effort to secure better working conditions and fair treatment in the rapidly evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.

More from Trending

Kate Gosselin
Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

Kate Gosselin Shares The 'Lasting Effects' Of Having Sextuplets On Her Body—And We Can Only Imagine

TLC programming was a major part of Millennial and Gen-X culture, particularly shows like Teen Mom, Catfish, Jon & Kate Plus 8, and Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

If you were ever curious for a closer glimpse of Kate Gosselin, mother of twins and then sextuplets, and her life, now is your chance!

Keep ReadingShow less
screenshot of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris presidential debate
CNN

Video Of Kamala Warning Trump About Putin's Agenda Goes Viral After Russian Drones Enter Polish Airspace

One year ago, pundits and the press were analyzing the performances of Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and former President and MAGA Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in the first and only debate between the pair before the 2024 presidential election.

During that face-off, it was noted that Trump refused to answer if he wanted United States ally Ukraine to win the war Russia began by invading their neighbor.

Keep ReadingShow less
An 87-year-old Gramercy Park man and his wife fought off a pair of watch thieves in a scam gone wrong.
Eyewitness News ABC7NY/YouTube

87-Year-Old Foils Watch Thieves

Who needs another season of Mr. and Mrs. Smith when Gramercy Park’s own Larry Schwartz and Joanna Cuccia are already serving action-comedy gold? At 87, Schwartz casually knocks out 240 reps a day and chases off watch thieves as if it were just another warm-up set.

And Larry Schwartz wasn’t about to let some Rolex-swapping grifter make him the punchline of a TikTok crime wave.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anna Wintour Reveals Her Honest Reaction To Seeing 'The Devil Wears Prada'—And It's Kind Of Iconic
Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images; 20th Century Fox

Anna Wintour Reveals Her Honest Reaction To Seeing 'The Devil Wears Prada'—And It's Kind Of Iconic

If you've ever wondered if legendary Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour has ever seen The Devil Wears Prada, the answer is yes, and she's finally shared her opinions on the film.

The movie, based on Lauren Weisberger's novel of the same name, centers around the trials and tribulations a young writer endures under a legendarily icy fashion editor named Miranda Priestley.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshots of Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Colbert, and crowd giving standing ovation
CBS

Powerful Line From Sotomayor's Scathing Dissent After ICE Ruling Ignites Standing Ovation On 'Colbert'

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor received a standing ovation during her appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after Colbert read a line from her powerful dissent following the Court's ruling that immigration agents can use racial profiling when conducting arrests.

The case was brought by several individuals detained during ICE raids. A federal district judge initially found the raids unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Keep ReadingShow less