The California Legislative Black Caucus is requesting answers from Hollywood studios over the recent departures of numerous Black women executives.
The call for a meeting with the film studios came from a group of state legislators representing the CLBC.
“One executive removal could be a fluke,” said Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas during a press conference held by the CLBC on July 13. “But four more? And we’re hearing more are to come. This is a troubling pattern. A pattern that suggests diversity, equity and inclusion is no longer a priority at the highest levels of the film industry, where decisions are made and institutional change happens.”
“As Vice Chair of the Asian and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, I am proud to stand in solidarity with my colleagues in the California Legislative Black Caucus to denounce the recent dismissals of leading African Americans in the entertainment industry,” said Senator Dave Min. “At a time when too many marginalized communities are feeling under attack in our country, Hollywood is sending the wrong message — that responding to craven political attacks is more important than fairness or actual results.”
The high profile exits of Black women executives have included Disney’s chief diversity officer and senior vice president Latondra Newton, Netflix’s first-ever head of inclusion Vernā Myers, Warner Bros. DEI executive Karen Horne, and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences executive vice president of impact and inclusion Jeanell English.
The departures and removals of these execs has sparked conversations regarding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in Hollywood and concerns over just how committed Hollywood studios are to addressing DEI problems.
People across the Hollywood landscape have spoken out about the departures — including a concerned post from actress, comedian, and host Yvette Nicole Brown.
Their departures come as DEI execs across industries face a trend of stepping down or being laid off following pledges by companies to address DEI-related issues.