PresidentJoe Bidenaddressed theWriters Guild of America strikeon Monday during a screening for the upcoming Disney+ seriesAmerican Born Chinese.
The White House hosted the screening to commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, during which the president, 80, publicly commented on the matter for the first time.
“Nights like these are a reminder of the power of stories and the importance of treating storytellers with dignity, respect and the value they deserve,“Biden said. “I sincerely hope the writers strike in Hollywood gets resolved and the writers are given a fair deal they deserve as soon as possible.”
“This is an iconic, meaningful American industry,” continued Biden. “And we need the writers and all the workers and everyone involved to tell the stories of our nation and the stories of all of us.”
Joe Biden.SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty
WGA went on strike at 12:01 a.m. PT on May 2because the deadline for a new contract passedthe day prior without a ratified contract.
The labor union represents more than 1,000 entertainment writers, who work across film, television, news and online media.
The entertainment industry has already started to feel an impact, with late-night chat shows immediately shutting down production. Other shows, like HBO’sReal Time With Bill Maher, are going dark as well. Daytime talk shows includingThe Vieware forging ahead, though warning that its formatwill look differentwithout its writers.
However,American Born Chineseis still set to premiere later this month. The Disney+ series follows average high schooler Jin Wang (Ben Wang) who is assigned as a guide to foreign exchange student Wei-Chen (Jim Liu). Ultimately, Jin’s connection to Wei-Chen results in him being entangled in a battle between Gods of Chinese mythology.
The series also countsStephanie Hsuas one of its recurring guest stars, ultimately reuniting her with herEverything Everywhere All at Oncecostars Yeoh, 60, and Quan, 51.
American Born Chineseis available to stream May 24 on Disney+.
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source: people.com
