Movies

Hollywood’s DEI commitments were slipping even before Trump. Now they’re vanishing fast

BBG News

Amid calls for racial justice in 2020, Hollywood pledged to do better.

Companies involved in the entertainment industry have pledged substantial funds towards civil rights groups and anti-discrimination initiatives, launched internal mentorship schemes to foster underrated artists from diverse backgrounds, and implemented new rules for fair hiring and an inclusive work environment.

But over the last few weeks, media companies have retreated from those promises.

As a movie-loving critic, I’ve noticed some intriguing shifts within the big leagues of Hollywood. Disney, for instance, is revamping their internal Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) policies. Instead of using a “diversity and inclusion” performance metric to determine executive pay, they are opting for a different approach.

On the other hand, Warner Bros. Discovery has decided to rebrand its DEI program simply as “Inclusion,” signaling a potential change in focus or strategy. And lastly, Paramount Global has chosen to part ways with specific staffing targets concerning gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

These alterations indicate an ongoing conversation within the industry about how best to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment for all. As a viewer, I’m excited to see how these changes might translate into the stories we see on our screens.

The actions followed swiftly after the Trump administration’s executive order aimed at diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within private businesses. He urged the U.S. Attorney General to scrutinize up to nine possible civil compliance investigations into publicly traded companies, large non-profits or foundations with assets worth more than half a billion dollars.

“The moves came shortly after the Trump administration issued an executive order targeting DEI programs in the private sector. He called for the U.S. attorney general to investigate up to nine potential violations of civil compliance by publicly traded companies, large nonprofits or foundations with at least $500 million in assets.”)

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Business leaders frequently emphasize the significance of diversity, yet advancements in inclusivity within industries have been uneven, experiencing occasional momentum followed by periods of slow growth.

A UCLA study on Hollywood’s diversity published recently showed that individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups were lacking across all significant job sectors last year, such as leading roles in movies, direction, scriptwriting, and acting in theaters. Although the racial and ethnic diversity of prominent film casts had been gradually improving for the 14 years the report has tracked this information, it took a step backwards in 2024.

Many in Hollywood have expressed that diversity initiatives weren’t a complete fix and shouldn’t have been seen as the ultimate solution to the industry’s issues. With these objectives becoming less prominent or disappearing entirely, there is growing worry about maintaining advancement.

In the current scenario, people continue to seek out varied narratives, and they are drawn to genuine films that resonate with their experiences, as expressed by Jeremiah Abraham, CEO of Tremendous, a company specializing in multicultural marketing and communication.

He explained that sometimes people express their preferences by purchasing tickets or by the number of times they watch movies. However, if there aren’t concerted efforts towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), it might become more challenging to bring such stories to light.

I’ve come to understand that the scaling back on diversity had already been underway prior to President Trump taking office, according to what experts and insiders have shared with me.

Due to financial setbacks stemming from the pandemic, along with two significant writer and actor strikes in 2023 and excessive spending during what’s known as the “streaming wars,” many companies found themselves seeking opportunities to reduce expenses.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’ve come to realize that when the entertainment industry experiences a contraction, diversity often takes a backseat because it’s not always considered an essential component. It’s all too easy for the industry to revert back to its traditional state in situations where there’s an interruption or disruption.

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Films similar to ‘The Apprentice’ faced difficulties in securing distribution during the time when Donald Trump was campaigning. However, now a documentary about Melania Trump has been granted a distribution deal by Amazon.

Karen Horne, a former executive at Warner Bros. responsible for DEI initiatives, has frequently pointed out instances where diversity programs have faced setbacks.

She stated that this device swings back and forth like a pendulum. Similarly, many businesses are carrying out their tasks diligently, but they’re not making a big fuss about it; instead, they’re working stealthily.

Media companies have faced criticism and backlash from conservative circles due to the diverse and inclusive programming they produce, which some label as “woke.

As a movie critic, I find myself at odds with Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, as Disney has taken a firm stance against certain anti-LGBTQ+ state legislations. Recently, this battle of principles has extended to the creative realm, as Disney’s Pixar division made the decision to scrap a storyline featuring a transgender athlete from their animated series “Win or Lose.” At the time, they explained that many parents would rather discuss such sensitive topics with their children on their own, personal terms and timeline.

For the past two years, the entertainment industry has seen a significant reduction in employment opportunities. Simultaneously, there’s been a noticeable decline in U.S.-based positions at Hollywood studios that specifically relate to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within their job titles, as suggested by an examination conducted by workforce data company Revelio Labs.

According to a study conducted by Revelio Labs, the pace at which diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles were diminished in the entertainment industry was faster than the overall reduction of jobs across these companies, as shown by analyzing positions at Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Universal Studios, and Amazon Studios.

Studios either declined to comment or did not respond to a request for comment.

The trend towards greater diversity and inclusion (DEI) also reached the top leadership roles in 2023. However, the departures of several prominent diversity chiefs from media companies raised questions about the industry’s dedication to these principles, and whether these positions were actually designed to bring about genuine transformation.

In 2020, jobs were filled, but there was no clear definition or performance metrics provided to the leaders, as noted by Jeanell English, founder and CEO of Elizabeth Consulting and a former executive vice president at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. There exists a chance for people in these positions, however, it necessitates an open, truthful discussion about what this role entails within the organization today and what success might mean for them.

Shaun Harper, head and lead researcher at USC Race and Equity Center, recalls the summer of 2020 when his phone was constantly buzzing with queries from top-level managers following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.

In the last two to three years, he’s gotten fewer calls.

Harper, who works with and advises studios and entertainment companies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, commented, “The situation in Hollywood is reflective of our current era.” While he expressed disappointment, he also acknowledged that it wasn’t unexpected.

It’s not just Hollywood that’s stepping away from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs; big retailers like Target, Walmart, and Lowe’s, as well as tech giants such as Facebook’s parent company Meta, Google, and Amazon, are either discontinuing or reducing their DEI initiatives, which were only recently established.

With studios phasing out some projects, there’s concern that the limited chances for people of color may further dwindle. This worry is amplified by the ongoing slowdown in film production in Los Angeles due to industry downsizing and relocation of productions. This situation might force individuals to quit the business or explore alternative distribution channels, such as social media platforms.

As the creator of Blended Future Project, a media firm specializing in multiracial narratives, Maris Lidaka commented, “As a filmmaker, you’re aiming to captivate Hollywood.” However, she suggested that this could be a signal for us to reconsider our approach, implying that we should no longer strive to meet their expectations. The landscape is constantly shifting, as indicated by the phrase, “The goal posts keep changing.

However, although these initiatives and roles served as a catalyst for essential change within the industry, they were not intended to fully resolve its diversity issues, according to English.

She stated, “The seeds for change have already been sown.” It falls upon us, the collective entity of the entertainment industry, to ensure they blossom and flourish.

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2025-03-08 02:01

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