Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has released an official statement denouncing the calls for a boycott of Israeli film institutions, stating that such actions would go against the company’s anti-discrimination policies.
A spokesperson for WBD emphasized the company’s dedication to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all employees, partners, and stakeholders. The spokesperson highlighted that the company’s policies strictly prohibit any form of discrimination, including that based on race, religion, national origin, or ancestry. The statement from WBD stressed that a boycott of Israeli film institutions would contradict their policies, reaffirming their commitment to aligning business practices with policy requirements and legal standards.
The company’s response was prompted by a legal communication regarding a pledge initiated by Film Workers for Palestine, urging individuals to refrain from collaborating with Israeli film institutions allegedly involved in actions against the Palestinian people. This pledge, endorsed by more than 200 industry personalities such as Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, and Javier Bardem, has generated significant debate and controversy.
According to the FAQ provided by the group, Israeli citizens with Palestinian heritage may be exempt from the boycott rules, subject to “context-sensitive” exceptions, a provision that has added complexity to the ongoing discussions.
Legal experts in both the UK and the US have cautioned that such a boycott could potentially violate equality and civil rights legislation. UK Lawyers for Israel have warned studios, agencies, and unions that supporting the pledge might breach the Equality Act 2010, exposing endorsers to legal risks and impacting insurance and film funding.
Conversely, the Louis D Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law in Washington, DC highlighted that various federal and state civil rights laws explicitly prohibit such discriminatory measures within the United States.
In a recent development, Paramount Pictures became the first studio to publicly oppose the boycott. Melissa Zukerman, Paramount’s chief communications officer, expressed the company’s disagreement with the boycott efforts against Israeli filmmakers. Zukerman emphasized that silencing artists based on nationality does not contribute to understanding or peace efforts. She stressed the importance of encouraging artists to share their stories globally, promoting increased engagement and communication within the entertainment industry.
A group of over 1,200 film industry professionals, including Liev Schreiber, Mayim Bialik, and Debra Messing, have signed an open letter rejecting the boycott and advocating for dialogue and unity within the global film community.