A new Vanity Fair report sheds light on Hollywood’s struggles to fulfill its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) promises made after 2020.
In 2020, amid the global reckoning following George Floyd’s murder, Hollywood studios pledged to amplify stories from underrepresented voices. Major companies invested in DEI programs and hired staff of color for roles ranging from writers to executives. But just a few years later, these efforts appear to be faltering.
According to Vanity Fair, two major factors are driving this reversal: financial challenges and political concerns.
Money Talks
Hollywood’s financial troubles are well-documented. The rise of streaming had already disrupted traditional revenue streams before 2020. Then came the pandemic, which halted productions, and most recently, the dual strikes by writers and actors. “Everyone has been suffering,” director and Emmy nominee Thembi Banks told Vanity Fair. “But there’s that old saying: ‘When white America has a cold, Black America has the flu.’”
These pressures have led to budget cuts, often at the expense of DEI initiatives. For example, Karen Horne, Warner Bros. Discovery’s North American VP for DEI, was laid off in 2023 during restructuring. Her departure signals the industry’s willingness to abandon long-term goals when money gets tight.
Political Pressures
Politics is another stumbling block. The Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to end Affirmative Action has raised concerns about legal risks tied to DEI efforts. Consultant Kristen Marston, who worked on films like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Little Mermaid, said some companies are avoiding anything that could be seen as a quota system. Even the word “equity” in job titles is causing unease, with fears it could become a legal liability.
Companies are also wary of public backlash. The rise of “anti-woke” sentiment has led some studios to scale back on DEI-related messaging to avoid controversy.
Structural Challenges
Beyond finances and politics, systemic issues persist. DEI consultants hired after 2020 often found their advice ignored. Hollywood remains a business driven by personal networks, and many decision-makers tend to connect with people who look like them. This cycle reinforces existing inequalities.
While Hollywood’s initial push for inclusivity was encouraging, the industry’s ability to sustain these efforts is now in question. For a deeper dive, check out the full report at Vanity Fair.
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