Reality TV star Bethenny Frankel believes that reality TV stars should also join the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes in Hollywood. Frankel argues that reality TV stars are not fairly compensated and should receive residuals for their work. She suggests that reality TV shows should not be filmed until these payment issues are resolved.
Reality TV star Bethenny Frankel believes that reality TV stars should join the picket lines alongside SAG-AFTRA and WGA in their strikes, as they are also receiving unfair treatment and not being adequately compensated for their work.
Title: Reality TV Stars Should Join the Picket Lines, Says Bethenny Frankel
Reality TV personality Bethenny Frankel recently voiced her opinion on the ongoing strikes within the entertainment industry, urging reality TV stars to stand in solidarity with their fellow actors and writers. In an Instagram video on July 19, Frankel questioned why reality TV was not participating in the strikes led by SAG-AFTRA and WGA, despite the fact that entertainers were fighting for fair residuals and minimal promotion. She highlighted the significant revenue generated by reality TV shows while the cast members received comparatively little compensation.
As a former star of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” Frankel revealed that she herself had generated millions of dollars through online advertising and impressions. However, she claimed to have never received a single residual payment, emphasizing the need for reality TV stars to be treated fairly and valued. Frankel expressed her frustration, suggesting that if networks and streamers continue to profit from her work, she should be appropriately compensated.
Frankel not only referred to her own experience but also expressed concern for other reality TV shows such as “The Bachelor,” “Vanderpump Rules,” and “The Hills.” In her opinion, these programs failed to adequately compensate their cast members despite enjoying immense popularity and leaving a lasting impact on popular culture. Frankel argued that these stars deserved to receive residuals for all the episodes they had worked on or, alternatively, the shows should be taken down until fair payment was guaranteed.
These remarks from Frankel come at a time when the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) are engaged in strikes against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) over issues such as residuals, fair pay, and guidelines relating to artificial intelligence. Both SAG and WGA members are on strike until a fair deal is reached, with performers refraining from participating in or promoting any struck work.
The convergence of these strikes is particularly noteworthy, as it marks the first time in over sixty years that both the actors’ and writers’ unions have taken a stand simultaneously. This united front showcases the industry’s collective demand for equitable treatment and just compensation for all those involved, including reality TV stars.
Bethenny Frankel’s remarks shed light on the often overlooked issues faced by reality TV performers. With this growing movement demanding fairness and recognition, the hope is that the industry will acknowledge the contributions of all its talent and carve out a path towards a more equitable future.
