While the storm of contract negotiations loomed ominously for SAG-AFTRA, its president, Fran Drescher, saw it fit to indulge in an Italian getaway, mingling with the high-profile crowd of Hollywood, including Kim Kardashian. This she did at a Dolce & Gabbana event, causing a stir within her fraternity and beyond, reports RadarOnline.com.
The 65-year-old star of “The Nanny” was sighted socialising amongst the who’s who of Hollywood in Europe, apparently unconcerned with the impending July 12 deadline for contract negotiations.
It was Kim Kardashian who set the internet ablaze when she posted a group photograph featuring not only Fran Drescher, but also other prominent personalities such as Helen Mirren, Kerry Washington, Angela Bassett, Christian Bale, and Kris Jenner among others. This was during the lavish five-day Dolce & Gabbana event.
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Several industry pundits severely criticized Drescher for her perceived lack of empathy towards her peers, many of whom are struggling without work or pay. They chastised her for the jarring contrast of her luxurious lifestyle, urging the actress to “do better.”
A critic opined, “While I appreciate that one can have a personal life and even take vacations, it’s imperative to remember that we are in the midst of the most significant negotiation in recent memory. Our WGA siblings are on the 70th day of a struggle for their very livelihoods. The imagery is not just disheartening but is truly appalling. Do better.”
The tweet sparked a flurry of responses, including one that pointed out the poor optics of associating with Kim Kardashian, who previously breached a picket line to film American Horror Story.
A respondent remarked, “Fran, you are known to be intelligent and a competent guild leader, but actions such as these trivialize the fight that actors and writers are currently undergoing. It’s high time you demonstrated better judgment, especially at such a crucial juncture. (And with a Kardashian, of all people!).”
Drescher’s actions gave Maya Dunbar, her presidential contender, an opportunity to send a powerful message. “This clearly demonstrates how the President is failing to resonate with the majority of the rank-and-file membership,” she expressed, adding, “Most members are anxious, wondering if a strike is imminent and how they will manage their finances in the midst of a deteriorating economy. But here she is, gallivanting with celebrities notorious for crossing WGA picket lines.”
In response to the brewing controversy, SAG-AFTRA issued a statement in support of Drescher’s trip to Italy. They claimed that her commitment was known to the negotiation committee and that despite her overseas travels, she had been engaged in negotiations daily. They also highlighted her physically demanding schedule spanning three time zones, her professional commitments on location, and her personal obligations towards her parents in Florida. They confirmed that she would be back in LA shortly and would continue to preside over the negotiations.
The exact length of Drescher’s Italy sojourn remains unknown, but based on Kim Kardashian’s photo evidence, it is clear that she was present at the Dolce & Gabbana event on the preceding Sunday night, days ahead of the critical Wednesday decision.
