Bill Maher saved by Hollywood as he backs down from his strike stance

Bill Maher is the latest celebrity to face backlash over his strike stance, with Hollywood lambasting the talk show host for an apparent U-turn.

The 67-year-old, who previously decided to return to work and stop participating in the writers’ strike, changed course again and delayed the start of his career. Real time with Bill Maher following Monday’s announcement from the Writers Guild of America (WGA). The majority of US talk shows, including Maher’s, have been suspended since strikes began in May, and last night the organization announced that negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) resumed.

In response to this news, Maher released the following statement on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter: “My decision to return to work was made when it seemed like nothing was happening and it There was no end in sight to this strike. both parties agreed to return to the negotiating table. I will delay the return of Real timefor now, and I hope they can finally achieve it.”

Maher was one of several animators criticized for returning to production during the writers’ strike, but his change of heart also drew scorn from industry professionals, including some famous faces.

“Honestly, sir, stop trying to take both sides and act like the decision to cross the picket lines of 177,000 colleagues depends on your personal view of how the negotiations are going,” said the screenwriter and producer of television David Simon. “If the studios take advantage of this moment again to step up and declare a ‘final offer,’ will you do even more?”

“Translation: I realized I would be known as Scab Maher for the rest of my life,” commented actor John Cusack.

“Liar, all due respect. You felt the blowback and the flashback,” Everlast Talkbox podcaster Michael Woods wrote, while Modern Family producer Danny Zuker said: “Let’s just hope this whole episode hasn’t damaged your famous likeability.”

“Everyone on the picket line has already lost all respect for you,” wrote screenwriter Anka Radakovich. “And besides, when I appeared on your show years ago, you weren’t really nice to me; very condescending.”

In May, the WGA went on strike after six weeks of negotiations with the AMPTP failed. The organization represents more than 11,000 writers in film, television, radio and online media, whose members want a pay increase in line with rising studio profits.

According to WGA, the streaming boom has generated record profits for providers, growing from $5 billion a year in 2000 to $28 billion to $30 billion between 2017 and 2021. In July, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG) -AFTA) also went on strike.

Some shows attempted to be broadcast during the strikes, without scriptwriters. Earlier this month, Drew Barrymore was called “scabs” online for bringing The Drew Barrymore Show returned for a fourth series, despite his team’s strike, while Ken Jennings received a similar backlash for continuing to host Danger!

News week contacted Bill Maher for comment via email.