Will boos be raining down at Boston University’s graduation this month?
BU is in sizzling water after the college on Thursday introduced that the pinnacle of Warner Bros. would be the graduation speaker amid the Writers Guild of America strike.
“Hey, BU. Maybe read the room?” TV author Noah Evslin tweeted following the announcement.
David Zaslav, the president and CEO of Warner Bros., is on a viral record of eight Hollywood CEOs who collectively made greater than $773 million in 2021, based on the writers’ guild. Zaslav took dwelling $246 million that 12 months, the guild posted on-line.
“Meanwhile, many of the workers who write their shows can’t afford rent,” the guild’s submit reads. “That’s why the WGA is ready to go on strike.”
Following BU’s announcement on Thursday that Zaslav — a BU Law alum from 1985 — would be the graduation speaker, the college shortly began to face warmth on-line.
Many BU grads are actually screenwriters in Hollywood and are presently on the picket strains.
“These things are planned in advance, but choosing now to announce this was a terrible decision,” tweeted screenwriter Uriel Rodriguez. “@BU_Tweets I am so disappointed. Show some sympathy for your screenwriting alumni.”
“I hope every single student graduating from Boston University this year stands in solidarity with the WGA,” TV author Neil McNeil tweeted. “Do not let this man speak. Boo him off the stage if you need to. I would love to see him heckled off stage.”
“#CancelZaslav,” tweeted screenwriter Kelly Krause. “@BU_Tweets, as a graduate of your university & now screenwriter/filmmaker, this is incredibly disappointing. Zaslav & other execs continue to exploit writers & crew in TV & film (incl. your alumni). Cancel his speech & support @WGAWest, @WGAEast & @IATSE.”
On Thursday morning, BU tweeted about Zaslav within the graduation announcement, “He oversaw the launch of some of the fastest-growing networks in the US and the rise of popular channels, such as Animal Planet, HGTV, Food Network, & TLC.”
The college didn’t instantly reply to remark concerning the criticism of the speaker choose.
BU’s graduation is on May 21 at Nickerson Field.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”