Mo’Nique, the Oscar-winning actress and comedian, is suing Netflix for racial and gender discrimination.
According to court documents obtained by People, the 51-year-old actress (né Monique Hicks) is accusing the streaming service of offering her less money for a stand-up special than her fellow male or white female comedians. The 39-page lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday.
“We care deeply about inclusion, equity, and diversity and take any accusations of discrimination very seriously. We believe our opening offer to Mo’Nique was fair — which is why we will be fighting this lawsuit,” a spokesperson for Netflix tells People.
According to court documents obtained by People, the 51-year-old actress (né Monique Hicks) is accusing the streaming service of offering her less money for a stand-up special than her fellow male or white female comedians. The 39-page lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday.
“We care deeply about inclusion, equity, and diversity and take any accusations of discrimination very seriously. We believe our opening offer to Mo’Nique was fair — which is why we will be fighting this lawsuit,” a spokesperson for Netflix tells People.
- 11/14/2019
- by Helen Murphy
- PEOPLE.com
Update: It took him about a day, but Terry Rossio is now part of a list of people in Hollywood that have issued an apology for using the n-word.
In a series of tweets, Rossio apologized for equating the term “Anti-vax” with the n-word — and he actually wrote out the word in his tweet. He said the use of the word was a “mistake” — just like the many that have wrongly used the slur before him.
“In a recent Twitter post, arguing against stereotyping and hate speech, I referenced the ‘n-word’ (the actual word) as an example of what not to do,” he wrote. “That was a mistake. I am sorry. I now understand that the word has no place in any conversation, ever.”
He continued: “You can’t make a point against hate speech and reference actual words of hate speech. That was insensitive and ignorant. I am immediately...
In a series of tweets, Rossio apologized for equating the term “Anti-vax” with the n-word — and he actually wrote out the word in his tweet. He said the use of the word was a “mistake” — just like the many that have wrongly used the slur before him.
“In a recent Twitter post, arguing against stereotyping and hate speech, I referenced the ‘n-word’ (the actual word) as an example of what not to do,” he wrote. “That was a mistake. I am sorry. I now understand that the word has no place in any conversation, ever.”
He continued: “You can’t make a point against hate speech and reference actual words of hate speech. That was insensitive and ignorant. I am immediately...
- 11/26/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The controversy over Viggo Mortensen’s use of the N-word during a recent Q&A for his movie “Green Book” appears to be over, but can he and the film recover enough to emerge as a genuine awards contender?
In the immediate days following the incident, glowing profiles in the likes of USA Today and think pieces over the race-themed film glossed over or entirely omitted mention of the incident. The actor, to his credit, was quick to apologize for using the word, which he uttered during a conversation with “Green Book” costar Mahershala Ali and Film Independent programmer and moderator Elvis Mitchell a little over a week ago.
“I was attempting to make the point that the extreme, dehumanizing ugliness that this word conjures, the hateful attitude behind it, has not disappeared just because white people generally no longer use it as a racist insult,” he wrote in a...
In the immediate days following the incident, glowing profiles in the likes of USA Today and think pieces over the race-themed film glossed over or entirely omitted mention of the incident. The actor, to his credit, was quick to apologize for using the word, which he uttered during a conversation with “Green Book” costar Mahershala Ali and Film Independent programmer and moderator Elvis Mitchell a little over a week ago.
“I was attempting to make the point that the extreme, dehumanizing ugliness that this word conjures, the hateful attitude behind it, has not disappeared just because white people generally no longer use it as a racist insult,” he wrote in a...
- 11/21/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
As 2018 draws to a close, Hollywood continues to find itself under the microscope with regard to inclusion and representation in the industry. It appears some positive steps are indeed being taken toward rectifying a historically shameful track record of excluding women and people of color from executive suites and on both sides of the camera.
While film and television leaders still have miles to go before claiming victory, the consensus among dozens of actors, filmmakers, executives, agents and industry observers interviewed by Variety is that lip service has begun to translate into real action. Agencies, guilds and studios are fortifying their efforts to combat the dearth of underrepresented talent on- and off-screen through a variety of programs and data-point tools, while major stars are leveraging their clout to ensure parity on their productions.
Swift moves have also been made to address racially insensitive remarks by high-profile executives, evidenced by the...
While film and television leaders still have miles to go before claiming victory, the consensus among dozens of actors, filmmakers, executives, agents and industry observers interviewed by Variety is that lip service has begun to translate into real action. Agencies, guilds and studios are fortifying their efforts to combat the dearth of underrepresented talent on- and off-screen through a variety of programs and data-point tools, while major stars are leveraging their clout to ensure parity on their productions.
Swift moves have also been made to address racially insensitive remarks by high-profile executives, evidenced by the...
- 11/14/2018
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Variety Film + TV
Details surrounding the racial slur scandal that rocked Netflix in its uppermost executive ranks have come to light, thanks to an in-depth report from the Wall Street Journal about life inside the streaming monolith.
Published Thursday, a hefty part of the story focuses on ousted Netflix communications chief Jonathan Friedland, whose use of the N-word in a staff meeting this February resulted in his termination four months later — a notably slow process in a workplace rife with swift and brutal firing practices, the report says.
Friedland, who spent about a decade as a Wall St. Journal reporter and editor, reportedly called a meeting of around 60 employees in the publicity department earlier this year to discuss how the team could better handle backlash to insensitive content. He specifically referred to a joke in Tom Segura’s Netflix stand-up special about how the comedian longed for a time when the word “retarded” was acceptable in polite society.
Published Thursday, a hefty part of the story focuses on ousted Netflix communications chief Jonathan Friedland, whose use of the N-word in a staff meeting this February resulted in his termination four months later — a notably slow process in a workplace rife with swift and brutal firing practices, the report says.
Friedland, who spent about a decade as a Wall St. Journal reporter and editor, reportedly called a meeting of around 60 employees in the publicity department earlier this year to discuss how the team could better handle backlash to insensitive content. He specifically referred to a joke in Tom Segura’s Netflix stand-up special about how the comedian longed for a time when the word “retarded” was acceptable in polite society.
- 10/25/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has hired Verna Myers as vice president of Inclusion Strategy, the company announced Wednesday.
In the newly created role, the Harvard graduate will “help devise and implement strategies that integrate cultural diversity, inclusion and equity into all aspects of Netflix’s operations worldwide.”
“Having worked closely with Vernā as a consultant on a range of organizational issues, we are thrilled that she has agreed to bring her talents to this new and important role,” said Netflix chief talent officer Jessica Neal. “As a global company dedicated to attracting the best people and representing a broad range of perspectives, Verna will be an invaluable champion of our efforts to build a culture where all employees thrive.”
Also Read: Netflix Hires Former Facebook and Uber Exec Rachel Whetstone as New Communciations Chief
“I have been a longtime fan of the inclusive and diverse programming and talent at Netflix, and then I...
In the newly created role, the Harvard graduate will “help devise and implement strategies that integrate cultural diversity, inclusion and equity into all aspects of Netflix’s operations worldwide.”
“Having worked closely with Vernā as a consultant on a range of organizational issues, we are thrilled that she has agreed to bring her talents to this new and important role,” said Netflix chief talent officer Jessica Neal. “As a global company dedicated to attracting the best people and representing a broad range of perspectives, Verna will be an invaluable champion of our efforts to build a culture where all employees thrive.”
Also Read: Netflix Hires Former Facebook and Uber Exec Rachel Whetstone as New Communciations Chief
“I have been a longtime fan of the inclusive and diverse programming and talent at Netflix, and then I...
- 8/29/2018
- by Ashley Boucher
- The Wrap
Netflix has hired Vernā Myers as vice president of inclusion strategy, a newly created role to help promote cultural diversity, inclusion and equity into all aspects of Netflix’s operations worldwide.
The hiring follows the ouster of Netflix’s chief spokesman, Jonathan Friedland, over racially insensitive remarks. At the time, Myers had been working for the company as a consultant, helping with its diversity and inclusion efforts.
For the past two decades, Myers has worked with major corporations and organizations seeking to eradicate barriers based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation.
“As a global company dedicated to attracting the best people and representing a broad range of perspectives, Vernā will be an invaluable champion of our efforts to build a culture where all employees thrive,” Netflix Chief Talent Officer Jessica Neal said in a statement.
A graduate of Harvard Law School, Vernā is also the author of Moving Diversity Forward:...
The hiring follows the ouster of Netflix’s chief spokesman, Jonathan Friedland, over racially insensitive remarks. At the time, Myers had been working for the company as a consultant, helping with its diversity and inclusion efforts.
For the past two decades, Myers has worked with major corporations and organizations seeking to eradicate barriers based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation.
“As a global company dedicated to attracting the best people and representing a broad range of perspectives, Vernā will be an invaluable champion of our efforts to build a culture where all employees thrive,” Netflix Chief Talent Officer Jessica Neal said in a statement.
A graduate of Harvard Law School, Vernā is also the author of Moving Diversity Forward:...
- 8/29/2018
- by Dawn C. Chmielewski
- Deadline Film + TV
With diversity an industry buzzword, Netflix has hired veteran culture expert Verna Myers as vp of "inclusion strategy."
In the newly created role, Myers is charged with including "cultural diversity, inclusion and equity" into Netflix’s fast-growing operations worldwide, according to Wednesday's announcement.
The move follows Netflix firing its top communications spokesman, Jonathan Friedland, after "insensitive" remarks he made to his team, which included the use of the N-word. Friedland was let go in June for "his descriptive use of the N-word on at least two occasions at work," according to an ...
In the newly created role, Myers is charged with including "cultural diversity, inclusion and equity" into Netflix’s fast-growing operations worldwide, according to Wednesday's announcement.
The move follows Netflix firing its top communications spokesman, Jonathan Friedland, after "insensitive" remarks he made to his team, which included the use of the N-word. Friedland was let go in June for "his descriptive use of the N-word on at least two occasions at work," according to an ...
- 8/29/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Netflix on Monday named Facebook executive Rachel Whetstone as its new chief communications officer.
Whetstone joins Netflix from Facebook and previously led communications and policy at Uber and Google. She takes over the position after former communications chief Jonathan Friedland was fired in June after the company reported that he had used the N-word on multiple occasions while in office.
“Rachel is a proven communications leader and a strong addition to the Netflix team,” said Netflix CEO Reed Hastings in a statement. “Her deep knowledge and international expertise will be invaluable as we bring Netflix and its expanding lineup of original content to an increasingly global audience.”
Also Read: Disney Production Exec Tendo Nagenda Will Exit for Netflix
A graduate of Bristol University, Rachel worked as a political advisor in the U.K. before entering the private sector. She joined Google in 2005 and served as senior vice president of communications...
Whetstone joins Netflix from Facebook and previously led communications and policy at Uber and Google. She takes over the position after former communications chief Jonathan Friedland was fired in June after the company reported that he had used the N-word on multiple occasions while in office.
“Rachel is a proven communications leader and a strong addition to the Netflix team,” said Netflix CEO Reed Hastings in a statement. “Her deep knowledge and international expertise will be invaluable as we bring Netflix and its expanding lineup of original content to an increasingly global audience.”
Also Read: Disney Production Exec Tendo Nagenda Will Exit for Netflix
A graduate of Bristol University, Rachel worked as a political advisor in the U.K. before entering the private sector. She joined Google in 2005 and served as senior vice president of communications...
- 8/27/2018
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Netflix has hired Rachel Whetstone as its new Chief Communications Officer, filling the role left vacant after the streaming giant fired Jonathan Friedland in June for using the N-word on two separate occasions.
Whetstone is a high-profile get, coming over from Facebook which had created a VP Communications role for her to oversee the WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger teams. She had arrived there in July 2017 from top comms roles at Uber and Instagram.
Netflix said Whetstone will be responsible for leading communications on a global basis.
“Rachel is a proven communications leader and a strong addition to the Netflix team,” Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said in a release announcing the hire. “Her deep knowledge and international expertise will be invaluable as we bring Netflix and its expanding lineup of original content to an increasingly global audience.”
Said Whetstone: “I’m so excited to be joining Netflix and being part of this amazing company’s story.
Whetstone is a high-profile get, coming over from Facebook which had created a VP Communications role for her to oversee the WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger teams. She had arrived there in July 2017 from top comms roles at Uber and Instagram.
Netflix said Whetstone will be responsible for leading communications on a global basis.
“Rachel is a proven communications leader and a strong addition to the Netflix team,” Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said in a release announcing the hire. “Her deep knowledge and international expertise will be invaluable as we bring Netflix and its expanding lineup of original content to an increasingly global audience.”
Said Whetstone: “I’m so excited to be joining Netflix and being part of this amazing company’s story.
- 8/27/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has tapped Facebook and Google alum Rachel Whetstone as chief communications officer.
Whetstone succeeds Jonathan Friedland, who was fired in June after complaints from Netflix staffers that he used the N-word in meetings. Friedland had held the top communications post at Netflix for six years.
Whetstone joins Netflix from Facebook, where she was VP of communications after joining the social media giant last July. She reports to Netflix CEO Reed Hastings.
“Rachel is a proven communications leader and a strong addition to the Netflix team,” said Hastings. “Her deep knowledge and international expertise will be invaluable as we bring Netflix and its expanding lineup of original content to an increasingly global audience.”
Whetstone worked in politics in the U.K. before joining Google in 2005. She was senior VP of communications and public policy from 2010-2015. She held the same post at Uber from 2015 until joining Facebook last year.
“I...
Whetstone succeeds Jonathan Friedland, who was fired in June after complaints from Netflix staffers that he used the N-word in meetings. Friedland had held the top communications post at Netflix for six years.
Whetstone joins Netflix from Facebook, where she was VP of communications after joining the social media giant last July. She reports to Netflix CEO Reed Hastings.
“Rachel is a proven communications leader and a strong addition to the Netflix team,” said Hastings. “Her deep knowledge and international expertise will be invaluable as we bring Netflix and its expanding lineup of original content to an increasingly global audience.”
Whetstone worked in politics in the U.K. before joining Google in 2005. She was senior VP of communications and public policy from 2010-2015. She held the same post at Uber from 2015 until joining Facebook last year.
“I...
- 8/27/2018
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has finally found a replacement for its former head of communications Jonathan Friedland, who was fired earlier this summer for using the N-word in a meeting. The streaming giant has hired top Facebook executive Rachel Whetstone as company's chief communications officer, a Netflix rep confirmed Monday.
"Rachel is a proven communications leader and a strong addition to the Netflix team," Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said in a statement. "Her deep knowledge and international expertise will be invaluable as we bring Netflix and its expanding lineup of original content to an increasingly global audience."
Added Whetstone,...
"Rachel is a proven communications leader and a strong addition to the Netflix team," Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said in a statement. "Her deep knowledge and international expertise will be invaluable as we bring Netflix and its expanding lineup of original content to an increasingly global audience."
Added Whetstone,...
- 8/27/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
When BlackTree TV CEO and executive producer Jamaal Finkley sought opportunities to talk with “Girls Trip” talent prior to the film’s July 2017 release, he ran into an alarming roadblock. After submitting a request to cover the junket, he received an email from a Universal Pictures representative: “‘Girls Trip’ will be hard as we don’t have that many slots for AA,” meaning African-Americans.
Finkley, who shared the emails with IndieWire, replied to the studio: “You don’t have that many slots for AA for ‘Girls Trip’?! I don’t get it. Really. Makes no sense. What movie does have extra AA slots? … If I send a white person, will you have a slot?”
Today, Finkley still finds the exchange unsettling. BlackTree TV has over 226,000 YouTube subscribers, with more than 1 billion video views. “Designating us as limited because of the color of our skin and not because of the reach of our outlet,...
Finkley, who shared the emails with IndieWire, replied to the studio: “You don’t have that many slots for AA for ‘Girls Trip’?! I don’t get it. Really. Makes no sense. What movie does have extra AA slots? … If I send a white person, will you have a slot?”
Today, Finkley still finds the exchange unsettling. BlackTree TV has over 226,000 YouTube subscribers, with more than 1 billion video views. “Designating us as limited because of the color of our skin and not because of the reach of our outlet,...
- 8/23/2018
- by Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
James Gunn found himself the target of an online firestorm when his homophobic posts were unearthed and passed around on social media. One of the key directors in Marvel’s stable, Gunn was quickly forced to apologize for his “poorly worded and offensive” remarks.
The year was 2012, and Gunn was not fired as the director of “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Last week, however, Gunn’s offensive old posts were again unearthed. Again he apologized. Gunn is far more established and powerful this time around, and yet, this time he was fired from “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”
Times have changed. In the wake of the Weinstein scandal, dozens of men have been ousted for allegations of sexual misconduct. It was a long time coming, but when it came, it was sudden. Now the same urgency and zero-tolerance mentality are being applied to offensive statements as well as deeds.
“The studios haven’t behaved well.
The year was 2012, and Gunn was not fired as the director of “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Last week, however, Gunn’s offensive old posts were again unearthed. Again he apologized. Gunn is far more established and powerful this time around, and yet, this time he was fired from “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”
Times have changed. In the wake of the Weinstein scandal, dozens of men have been ousted for allegations of sexual misconduct. It was a long time coming, but when it came, it was sudden. Now the same urgency and zero-tolerance mentality are being applied to offensive statements as well as deeds.
“The studios haven’t behaved well.
- 7/24/2018
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood, no stranger to loose talk and provocative points of view, has taken a hard turn into zero-tolerance on racially or sexually offensive remarks, with three major entertainment companies swiftly dismissing those who have crossed the line in recent weeks.
In the last month, Paramount, Disney and Netflix each fired high profile executives or talent for the same reason: their public, private or long ago comments were “inconsistent” with the company’s “values.” Paramount TV president Amy Powell, Netflix’s chief communication officer Jonathan Friedland, Marvel director James Gunn and Roseanne Barr were all dismissed with public disavowals by their companies (in some cases by the CEO personally) that seem all but certain to impact the careers of each individual.
The era of #MeToo seems to have sparked a need for companies to react swiftly to accusations of misconduct, but now that mentality is being reflected in the wake of insensitive comments about race,...
In the last month, Paramount, Disney and Netflix each fired high profile executives or talent for the same reason: their public, private or long ago comments were “inconsistent” with the company’s “values.” Paramount TV president Amy Powell, Netflix’s chief communication officer Jonathan Friedland, Marvel director James Gunn and Roseanne Barr were all dismissed with public disavowals by their companies (in some cases by the CEO personally) that seem all but certain to impact the careers of each individual.
The era of #MeToo seems to have sparked a need for companies to react swiftly to accusations of misconduct, but now that mentality is being reflected in the wake of insensitive comments about race,...
- 7/23/2018
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
San Diego Comic-Con was host to some awkward scheduling on Saturday.
During Warner Bros.’ Hall H presentation, Johnny Depp made an appearance as his titular “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” character, helping to debut the latest trailer for the upcoming fantasy film. Roughly an hour later, his ex-wife, Amber Heard, appeared at the convention to promote WB’s “Aquaman,” which released its first trailer at the event.
In court documents, Heard accused Depp of physical abuse while they were married. She won a $7 million settlement in the divorce case, all of which she donated to charity. They settled their divorce in 2016, when she dismissed the claims.
Depp’s appearance was something of a surprise to the audience. It came at the end of the “Fantastic Beast’s” segment, after much of the main cast had already been fielding softball questions along the lines of what they’d do if they had magical powers.
During Warner Bros.’ Hall H presentation, Johnny Depp made an appearance as his titular “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” character, helping to debut the latest trailer for the upcoming fantasy film. Roughly an hour later, his ex-wife, Amber Heard, appeared at the convention to promote WB’s “Aquaman,” which released its first trailer at the event.
In court documents, Heard accused Depp of physical abuse while they were married. She won a $7 million settlement in the divorce case, all of which she donated to charity. They settled their divorce in 2016, when she dismissed the claims.
Depp’s appearance was something of a surprise to the audience. It came at the end of the “Fantastic Beast’s” segment, after much of the main cast had already been fielding softball questions along the lines of what they’d do if they had magical powers.
- 7/21/2018
- by Alex Stedman and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
During the Bet Awards on June 24, Netflix released an incredibly powerful advertisement spotlighting 47 black actors and creators as part of the streaming service's Strong Black Lead initiative. Titled "A Great Day in Hollywood," the spot was directed by Lacey Duke and inspired by the legendary "A Great Day in Harlem" photo, which captured notable jazz musicians in front of a brownstone apartment back in 1958. The Netflix ad is narrated by 16-year-old Stranger Things actor Caleb McLaughlin and features other familiar faces, including Ava DuVernay, Laverne Cox, Lena Waithe, Mike Colter, and Spike Lee, to name a few.
"This is a new day, built from the ground broken by legends - a day for our generation to see untold experiences of our blackness," McLaughlin begins, as the camera pans out to reveal the final frame of all 47 stars standing in front of an apartment building. "We're not a genre because there's...
"This is a new day, built from the ground broken by legends - a day for our generation to see untold experiences of our blackness," McLaughlin begins, as the camera pans out to reveal the final frame of all 47 stars standing in front of an apartment building. "We're not a genre because there's...
- 6/26/2018
- by Victoria Messina
- Popsugar.com
Netflix has lost about $12 billion in market value today, the first day of trading since the abrupt ouster of a top executive over the use of a racial epithet.
Jonathan Friedland exited the company as communications chief Friday after a second instance of his use of a racial slur was revealed. The ignominious end to his Netflix career was not exactly swept under the rug by an eye-opening memo to employees from CEO and founder Reed Hastings, which suggested larger problems in the company’s culture.
Hastings wrote that his “privilege” led him to “intellectualize or otherwise minimize race issues like this.”
For Monday’s session, Netflix shares dropped about 6.5%, closing at $384.48. It was the stock’s biggest single-day drop since 2016, when share prices swooned after the company said it would not renew an agreement with the cable network Epix (and lose popular movies including The Hunger Games). Trading volume...
Jonathan Friedland exited the company as communications chief Friday after a second instance of his use of a racial slur was revealed. The ignominious end to his Netflix career was not exactly swept under the rug by an eye-opening memo to employees from CEO and founder Reed Hastings, which suggested larger problems in the company’s culture.
Hastings wrote that his “privilege” led him to “intellectualize or otherwise minimize race issues like this.”
For Monday’s session, Netflix shares dropped about 6.5%, closing at $384.48. It was the stock’s biggest single-day drop since 2016, when share prices swooned after the company said it would not renew an agreement with the cable network Epix (and lose popular movies including The Hunger Games). Trading volume...
- 6/25/2018
- by Dade Hayes and Dawn C. Chmielewski
- Deadline Film + TV
Friday afternoon is always the best time to drop bad news, if you’re a major company. People are off to enjoy their weekend and the regular news cycle is pretty much done for the week. So, even though it happened all the way back on Friday, you might not realize that Netflix has had a rough weekend. It all started when the company announced they were parting ways with their chief communications officer, Jonathan Friedland, after he reportedly used the N-word on multiple occasions during staff meetings.
Continue reading Netflix Releases ‘A Great Day In Hollywood’ Video After Executive’s Racist Remarks Become Public at The Playlist.
Continue reading Netflix Releases ‘A Great Day In Hollywood’ Video After Executive’s Racist Remarks Become Public at The Playlist.
- 6/25/2018
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Updated: Shares of Netflix took a hit Monday, dropping more than 6% in morning trading, as investors apparently reacted to a range of events including a possible trade war with China.
The pullback comes after the stock hit record highs last week — closing at $411.09 per share Friday — and the drop could reflect profit-taking by investors in the high-flying stock. On Monday, the stock opened down 1.6% and had dropped 6.6% at $384.30 per share as of 12:20 p.m. Et.
Broader market indices were down in the 1%-2.6% range, after the Trump administration was reported to be setting plans to prohibit many Chinese firms from investing in the U.S. technology sector and by blocking more technology exports to Beijing, according to the Wall Street journal.
Also Monday, ProSiebenSat.1 and Discovery announced a partnership to launch a German TV subscription-streaming platform that would combine ProSieben’s Maxdome VOD service and Discovery’s Eurosport Player...
The pullback comes after the stock hit record highs last week — closing at $411.09 per share Friday — and the drop could reflect profit-taking by investors in the high-flying stock. On Monday, the stock opened down 1.6% and had dropped 6.6% at $384.30 per share as of 12:20 p.m. Et.
Broader market indices were down in the 1%-2.6% range, after the Trump administration was reported to be setting plans to prohibit many Chinese firms from investing in the U.S. technology sector and by blocking more technology exports to Beijing, according to the Wall Street journal.
Also Monday, ProSiebenSat.1 and Discovery announced a partnership to launch a German TV subscription-streaming platform that would combine ProSieben’s Maxdome VOD service and Discovery’s Eurosport Player...
- 6/25/2018
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix unveiled a brand image spot during Sunday’s Bet Awards telecast that highlights black artists who work for the streaming giant.
The spot dubbed “A Great Day in Hollywood” was inspired by the famed 1958 photograph “A Great Day in Harlem” featuring 57 jazz legends — including Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, and Count Basie — on the stairs of New York brownstone snapped by photographer Art Kane.
The Netflix spot from director Lacey Duke features 47 black writers, showrunners, actors, and producers. The plan for the spot and the image campaign stemmed from Netflix’s Strong Black Lead initiative designed to foster an “ongoing, intentional focus to talk authentically with the black audience.” A photo similar to “Great Day in Harlem” was taken earlier this month by photographer Kwaku Alston to commemorate the gathering.
The debut comes just two days after Netflix was rocked by the abrupt departure of corporate communications chief Jonathan Friedland...
The spot dubbed “A Great Day in Hollywood” was inspired by the famed 1958 photograph “A Great Day in Harlem” featuring 57 jazz legends — including Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, and Count Basie — on the stairs of New York brownstone snapped by photographer Art Kane.
The Netflix spot from director Lacey Duke features 47 black writers, showrunners, actors, and producers. The plan for the spot and the image campaign stemmed from Netflix’s Strong Black Lead initiative designed to foster an “ongoing, intentional focus to talk authentically with the black audience.” A photo similar to “Great Day in Harlem” was taken earlier this month by photographer Kwaku Alston to commemorate the gathering.
The debut comes just two days after Netflix was rocked by the abrupt departure of corporate communications chief Jonathan Friedland...
- 6/25/2018
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
During the Bet Awards tonight, Netflix debuted a new brand spot featuring 47 black Netflix creators and talent representing the streaming company’s Strong Black Lead initiative.
The ad was conceived and created months ago and had already been scheduled to air during the Bet Awards when on Friday Netflix’s long-time communications chief Jonathan Friedland was ousted for using the N-word on two separate occasions.
In light of the controversy, I hear Netflix brass considered not proceeding with the spot this weekend but ultimately opted against it.
The spot, inspired by the legendary 1958 photo A Great Day in Harlem, which featured prominent jazz musicians of the time, was directed Lacey Duke, with Kwaku Alston taking a photo.
“It was a pretty magical couple of hours,” Duke said. “All these amazingly talented, beautiful individuals in one space being supportive and just looking stunning together, all here to pull off this one take wonder!
The ad was conceived and created months ago and had already been scheduled to air during the Bet Awards when on Friday Netflix’s long-time communications chief Jonathan Friedland was ousted for using the N-word on two separate occasions.
In light of the controversy, I hear Netflix brass considered not proceeding with the spot this weekend but ultimately opted against it.
The spot, inspired by the legendary 1958 photo A Great Day in Harlem, which featured prominent jazz musicians of the time, was directed Lacey Duke, with Kwaku Alston taking a photo.
“It was a pretty magical couple of hours,” Duke said. “All these amazingly talented, beautiful individuals in one space being supportive and just looking stunning together, all here to pull off this one take wonder!
- 6/25/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
During the Bet Awards, Netflix premiered a TV spot called “A Great Day in Hollywood” promoting its Black creator-driven projects such as “Luke Cage” and “Dear White People,” as well as stars and show creators that have worked on original shows for the streaming service.
While the spot was conceived and created months ago by Netflix’s Strong Black Lead Team, the premiere comes with some weird timing, as the company fired its chief communications officer Jonathan Friedland on Friday for “descriptive use of the N-word on at least two occasions,” according to an employee memo sent out by CEO Reed Hastings. An individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap that the incident had occurred on multiple occasions and that several Netflix employees filed complaints.
The spot was inspired by a famous photo taken 60 years ago called “A Great Day in Harlem,” which assembled dozens of the Harlem jazz scene’s most famous musicians.
While the spot was conceived and created months ago by Netflix’s Strong Black Lead Team, the premiere comes with some weird timing, as the company fired its chief communications officer Jonathan Friedland on Friday for “descriptive use of the N-word on at least two occasions,” according to an employee memo sent out by CEO Reed Hastings. An individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap that the incident had occurred on multiple occasions and that several Netflix employees filed complaints.
The spot was inspired by a famous photo taken 60 years ago called “A Great Day in Harlem,” which assembled dozens of the Harlem jazz scene’s most famous musicians.
- 6/25/2018
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
During Sunday night's Bet Awards, Netflix debuted a brand-new spot featuring 47 of the platform's black creators and talent, including 13th's Ava DuVernay, She's Gotta Have It's Spike Lee and Orange Is the New Black's Laverne Cox. The timing of the commercial is rather ironic, given that it aired two days after the streaming giant fired its top PR chief Jonathan Friedland for using the N-word on multiple occasions at work and displaying what CEO Reed Hastings referred to as "unacceptably low racial awareness and sensitivity." Sources say the streamer debated internally on ...
- 6/24/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Two years of graduate school didn’t teach me much, except that I didn’t want to be in graduate school. But I did pick up one valuable lesson from a close study of modern history. That is, revolutions eat their own.
Robespierre got Danton. Stalin got Trotsky. Someone, maybe Hua Guofeng, got China’s Gang of Four, after they got any number of “bourgeois elements” during Mao’s Cultural Revolution.
Closer to home, Hollywood’s own cultural revolution last week devoured actor Peter Fonda after he tried to take a bite out of Donald Trump by publicly wishing torments on his young son Barron, but also used some egregiously anti-female language in a rant against the head of the Department of Homeland Security. Sony Pictures Classics, in whose film Boundaries Fonda plays what the studio called a “very minor role,” immediately condemned him but said that to pull the...
Robespierre got Danton. Stalin got Trotsky. Someone, maybe Hua Guofeng, got China’s Gang of Four, after they got any number of “bourgeois elements” during Mao’s Cultural Revolution.
Closer to home, Hollywood’s own cultural revolution last week devoured actor Peter Fonda after he tried to take a bite out of Donald Trump by publicly wishing torments on his young son Barron, but also used some egregiously anti-female language in a rant against the head of the Department of Homeland Security. Sony Pictures Classics, in whose film Boundaries Fonda plays what the studio called a “very minor role,” immediately condemned him but said that to pull the...
- 6/24/2018
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
(Updated throughout with new information) Netflix’s long-time communications chief and former journalist was ousted today for using the ultimate derogatory term for African-Americans on what we now know was two separate occasions.
Chief Executive Reed Hastings sent an awkward email to Netflix employees saying he had fired the chief communications officer, Jonathan Friedland, for showing an “unacceptably low racial awareness and sensitivity” that is out of line with the company’s values.
In the staff memo, Hastings described two instances in which Friedland dropped the “N-word,” once several months ago in a PR meeting about sensitive words. Friedland apologized after several people told him how inappropriate and hurtful his use of the term was, Hastings said.
“We had hoped this was an awful anomaly never to be repeated,” Hastings wrote. “Three months later he spoke to a meeting of our Black Employees @Netfix group and did not bring it up,...
Chief Executive Reed Hastings sent an awkward email to Netflix employees saying he had fired the chief communications officer, Jonathan Friedland, for showing an “unacceptably low racial awareness and sensitivity” that is out of line with the company’s values.
In the staff memo, Hastings described two instances in which Friedland dropped the “N-word,” once several months ago in a PR meeting about sensitive words. Friedland apologized after several people told him how inappropriate and hurtful his use of the term was, Hastings said.
“We had hoped this was an awful anomaly never to be repeated,” Hastings wrote. “Three months later he spoke to a meeting of our Black Employees @Netfix group and did not bring it up,...
- 6/22/2018
- by Dawn C. Chmielewski and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
After coming under fire for what Netflix CEO Reed Hastings referred to as “descriptive use of the N-word on at least two occasions,” Jonathan Friedland is leaving his post as Executive Director of Communications. He announced his exit with two tweets: “I’m leaving Netflix after seven years. Leaders have to be beyond reproach in the example we set and unfortunately I fell short of that standard when I was insensitive in speaking to my team about words that offend in comedy”
He continued, “I feel awful about the distress this lapse caused to people at a company I love and where I want everyone to feel included and appreciated. I feel honored to have built a brilliant and diverse global team and to have been part of our collective adventure.”
Within the company, Friedland’s departure was announced via a memo from Sarandos that claimed Friedland’s “unacceptably low...
He continued, “I feel awful about the distress this lapse caused to people at a company I love and where I want everyone to feel included and appreciated. I feel honored to have built a brilliant and diverse global team and to have been part of our collective adventure.”
Within the company, Friedland’s departure was announced via a memo from Sarandos that claimed Friedland’s “unacceptably low...
- 6/22/2018
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Netflix’s chief communications officer Jonathan Friedland was fired on Friday for using the N-word on multiple occasions. Friedland was in charge of overseeing publicity for Netflix’s original series, films and specials.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings detailed the decision to let Friedland go in an internal memo, which you can read below.
Also Read: Netflix Chief Communications Officer Jonathan Friedland Out After Using the N-Word Twice
All:
I’ve made a decision to let go of Jonathan Friedland. Jonathan contributed greatly in many areas, but his descriptive use of the N-word on at least two occasions at work showed unacceptably low racial awareness and sensitivity, and is not in line with our values as a company.
The first incident was several months ago in a PR meeting about sensitive words. Several people afterwards told him how inappropriate and hurtful his use of the N-word was, and Jonathan apologized to...
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings detailed the decision to let Friedland go in an internal memo, which you can read below.
Also Read: Netflix Chief Communications Officer Jonathan Friedland Out After Using the N-Word Twice
All:
I’ve made a decision to let go of Jonathan Friedland. Jonathan contributed greatly in many areas, but his descriptive use of the N-word on at least two occasions at work showed unacceptably low racial awareness and sensitivity, and is not in line with our values as a company.
The first incident was several months ago in a PR meeting about sensitive words. Several people afterwards told him how inappropriate and hurtful his use of the N-word was, and Jonathan apologized to...
- 6/22/2018
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Today’s firing of Netflix communications chief Jonathan Friedland should have come earlier, Reed Hastings almost begrudgingly admitted to the streaming service’s staff on Friday.
“I realize that my privilege has made me intellectualize or otherwise minimize race issues like this,” the Netflix CEO said in understatement of allowing the use of the N-word by one of his top execs. “I need to set a better example by learning and listening more so I can be the leader we need.”
In a lengthy and at points awkward email sent to Netflix employees Friday (read it in full below), Hastings revealed that Friedland had used the N-word on not one but two occasions months ago. Unveiling a lot about Netflix corporate culture, Hastings also revealed that action was only taken after he himself heard about the second incident this week. “We hoped this was an awful anomaly never to be repeated,...
“I realize that my privilege has made me intellectualize or otherwise minimize race issues like this,” the Netflix CEO said in understatement of allowing the use of the N-word by one of his top execs. “I need to set a better example by learning and listening more so I can be the leader we need.”
In a lengthy and at points awkward email sent to Netflix employees Friday (read it in full below), Hastings revealed that Friedland had used the N-word on not one but two occasions months ago. Unveiling a lot about Netflix corporate culture, Hastings also revealed that action was only taken after he himself heard about the second incident this week. “We hoped this was an awful anomaly never to be repeated,...
- 6/22/2018
- by Dominic Patten and Dawn C. Chmielewski
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has let go of its longtime chief communications officer, Jonathan Friedland, after Friedland himself conceded on Twitter that he was “insensitive in speaking to my team about words that offend in comedy.”
The Hollywood Reporter reports that Friedland used the n-word in a meeting with staffers, who later reported the incident. CEO Reed Hastings notified employees in a company-wide this afternoon. Friedland had been at Netflix for seven years, and wrote on Twitter that “leaders have to be beyond reproach in the example we set...I feel awful about the distress this lapse caused to people at a company I love and where I want everyone to feel included and appreciated.” At the same time, Friedlad said he felt “honored to have built a brilliant and diverse global team.”
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that Friedland used the n-word in a meeting with staffers, who later reported the incident. CEO Reed Hastings notified employees in a company-wide this afternoon. Friedland had been at Netflix for seven years, and wrote on Twitter that “leaders have to be beyond reproach in the example we set...I feel awful about the distress this lapse caused to people at a company I love and where I want everyone to feel included and appreciated.” At the same time, Friedlad said he felt “honored to have built a brilliant and diverse global team.”
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
- 6/22/2018
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
Netflix’s chief communications officer Jonathan Friedland is leaving the company after seven years, he said Friday on Twitter.
Friedland said that he “fell short” of the example a leader should set when he “was insensitive in speaking to my team about words that offend in comedy.” An individual familiar with the infraction told TheWrap that Friedland used the N-word multiple times.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings sent a memo to employees Friday that said Friedland’s “descriptive use of the N-word on at least two occasions at work showed unacceptably low racial awareness and sensitivity, and is not in line with our values as a company.” (Read the full memo below.)
Also Read: How '13 Reasons Why' Changed Star Dylan Minnette's Outlook on Hollywood (Video)
“I’m leaving Netflix after seven years. Leaders have to be beyond reproach in the example we set and unfortunately I fell short of...
Friedland said that he “fell short” of the example a leader should set when he “was insensitive in speaking to my team about words that offend in comedy.” An individual familiar with the infraction told TheWrap that Friedland used the N-word multiple times.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings sent a memo to employees Friday that said Friedland’s “descriptive use of the N-word on at least two occasions at work showed unacceptably low racial awareness and sensitivity, and is not in line with our values as a company.” (Read the full memo below.)
Also Read: How '13 Reasons Why' Changed Star Dylan Minnette's Outlook on Hollywood (Video)
“I’m leaving Netflix after seven years. Leaders have to be beyond reproach in the example we set and unfortunately I fell short of...
- 6/22/2018
- by Ashley Boucher
- The Wrap
Netflix chief communications officer Jonathan Friedland is leaving the company following a controversy over insensitive remarks. Friedland announced the departure on Twitter Friday, saying that he felt awful about “the distress this lapse caused.”
I feel awful about the distress this lapse caused to people at a company I love and where I want everyone to feel included and appreciated. I feel honored to have built a brilliant and diverse global team and to have been part of our collective adventure.
— jonathan friedland (@jsf33) June 22, 2018
Friedland had joined Netflix as VP of communications in 2011, and became the company’s chief communications officer a year later. His ascend at the company coincided with Netflix’s first major PR debacle, the proposed split of its DVD business into a separate company called Quickster — which Netflix quickly walked back on.
Before joining Netflix, Friedland had served in communications roles for Disney. He was...
I feel awful about the distress this lapse caused to people at a company I love and where I want everyone to feel included and appreciated. I feel honored to have built a brilliant and diverse global team and to have been part of our collective adventure.
— jonathan friedland (@jsf33) June 22, 2018
Friedland had joined Netflix as VP of communications in 2011, and became the company’s chief communications officer a year later. His ascend at the company coincided with Netflix’s first major PR debacle, the proposed split of its DVD business into a separate company called Quickster — which Netflix quickly walked back on.
Before joining Netflix, Friedland had served in communications roles for Disney. He was...
- 6/22/2018
- by Janko Roettgers
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix is letting go of its top communications spokesman.
Jonathan Friedland, who has served as the streaming giant's chief communications officer for the past six years, is out at the company after "insensitive" remarks he made to his team. Sources say that Friedland used the N-word in a meeting with other Netflix staffers, some of whom later reported the incident. Per insiders, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings sent a companywide email explaining Friedland's firing around 12:45 p.m. Pt on Friday.
Friedland, a former Disney executive, first joined Netflix in February 2011 as vp global corporate communications and ...
Jonathan Friedland, who has served as the streaming giant's chief communications officer for the past six years, is out at the company after "insensitive" remarks he made to his team. Sources say that Friedland used the N-word in a meeting with other Netflix staffers, some of whom later reported the incident. Per insiders, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings sent a companywide email explaining Friedland's firing around 12:45 p.m. Pt on Friday.
Friedland, a former Disney executive, first joined Netflix in February 2011 as vp global corporate communications and ...
- 6/22/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
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