Fran Drescher Criticized Over Decision to Attend Extravagant Dolce & Gabbana Event
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People both inside and outside of the entertainment industry are calling out SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher for her decision to take a weekend trip to Italy to attend a Dolce & Gabbana event while union contract negotiations hit a critical point.
The 65-year-old was spotted partying with Kim Kardashian and other celebrities while the SAG-AFTRA contract negotiation deadline nears.
Many criticized Drescher on social media, sharing their opinions on her actions.
One industry professional responded on Twitter, writing, "lol SAG President just days before a potential strike of her own union hanging with Kim K, actress actively crossing WGA picket lines. unserious people. and further confirmation that this strike and all to come are stratified."
lol SAG President just days before a potential strike of her own union hanging with Kim K, actress actively crossing WGA picket lines.
unserious people. and further confirmation that this strike and all to come are stratified. https://t.co/po6irUru7p— Serena's Racquet (@kendalljamaal) July 10, 2023
Actress and writer Hannah Marie Hines commented on the situation as a member of SAG-AFTRA, saying, "The absolute fury I feel seeing our @sagaftra 'president' taking selfies on a red carpet in Italy during the last 2 days of our negotiations with AMPTP. Hope you’re enjoying the dolci far niente Fran while all the actors stateside sweat the pending strike."
There are ongoing negotiations right now within SAG-AFTRA and the deadline is July 12, 11:59 p.m. PST. If they don't reach a deal by then, SAG-AFTRA members will likely join the WGA on strike. The deadline was previously extended from June 30, when the former contract expired.
Actress Nancy Lee Grahn, who has been openly discussing the negotiations on social media in support of writers, actors, and other professionals in the industry, wrote, "This is a joke right? The deadline for a union that she is President of has a deadline to strike Wed at midnight. Livelihoods are on the line. I’m hoping this is not true. It can’t be. No one could be this stupid."
A writer named Jorge Rivera questioned, "Did they push the deadline so she could attend a party in Italy?"
Writer and showrunner Carina Adly Mackenzie responded to the photos of Drescher and Kardashian, writing, "It takes a lot to blow my mind these days but I’m actually floored. Not to mention Kim is working on one of the only scripted shows that has completely given the middle finger to the writers’ strike."
She referenced Ryan Murphy and American Horror Story, as it has continued production despite most other projects shutting down in support of the writers' strike. Kardashian has been cast in the upcoming season.
In response to the backlash, SAG-AFTRA said in a statement: "President Drescher is working as a brand ambassador for Dolce and Gabbana on location in Italy. This was a commitment fully known to the negotiating committee. She has been in negotiations every day either in person or via video conference."
"President Drescher is managing a physically demanding schedule across three time zones, overseeing negotiations and working on location daily as well as managing her parents’ needs in [Florida]. She is returning to the States and will be on the ground in L.A. tomorrow [July 11], and will continue to chair our negotiations," the statement continued.
It is unclear what the outcome of the SAG-AFTRA negotiations will be when the deadline passes on Wednesday, while the writers' strike continues for the third month.
