California Legislative Black Caucus Calls for Explanation of Recent Departures of Black Female Executives in Hollywood.
The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) is urging film studios to clarify the sudden departures of several Black female executives in the past few weeks. The release of prominent figures such as Vernā Myers from Netflix, LaTondra Newton from Disney, Jeanell English from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and Karen Horne and Terra Potts from Warner Bros. Discovery has raised concerns about the industry’s commitment to diversity in senior leadership roles within the entertainment sector.
During a press conference held on Thursday, the CLBC highlighted the resignations and removals of these executives following the State Legislature’s approval of the $1.6 billion Film Tax Credit initiative aimed at providing tax incentives to film studios. Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas expressed her apprehension about the trend, stating, “One executive removal could be a fluke, but four more? And there are indications that more will follow. This troubling pattern suggests that diversity, equity, and inclusion may no longer be a priority at the highest levels of the film industry, where pivotal decisions are made, and institutional change occurs.”
Prominent legislators, including Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose), Assemblymember Tina McKinnon (D-Inglewood), Senator Dave Min (D-Orange County), Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley), Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), and Assemblymember Phil Tin (D-San Francisco), voiced their concerns at the press conference.
Senator Min, Vice Chair of the Asian and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, expressed solidarity with his colleagues in the CLBC, denouncing the recent dismissals of African Americans in the entertainment industry. He criticized Hollywood for prioritizing political appeasement over fairness and tangible outcomes, stating, “At a time when many marginalized communities feel under attack in our country, Hollywood’s message is misguided. It implies that responding to baseless political attacks holds greater importance than promoting equity and achieving real progress.”
The scarcity of Black executives in C-suite positions across the industry is apparent. Figures such as Pearlena Igbokwe, chairman of Universal Studio Group, Channing Dungey, chairman and CEO of WBTV, and Nicole Brown, president of TriStar Pictures, stand as notable exceptions. According to various sources within the industry, more BIPOC executives are anticipated to join their ranks in the coming weeks, particularly following the SAG-AFTRA strikes that commenced on Thursday.
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