There is controversy among some members of the largest union representing professional stage actors over a newly-formed political action committee (PAC) targeting President Donald Trump.
In a mass membership email obtained by The Epoch Times, Central Regional Vice President of the American Equity Association (AEA) Sarah LaBarr promotes the new PAC as a crucial step in “defeating” the former President in his re-election bid and preventing a convicted felon from holding office.
“We had an end of month appeal scheduled for today, but it’s critical that you see this note about Donald Trump’s conviction,” Ms. LaBarr wrote in a June 1 email.
“It’s more critical than ever that we band together and exercise our collective power to keep Donald Trump and his allies out of power.”
Ms. LaBarr did not respond to inquiries regarding the PAC, nor did newly-elected AEA President Brooke Shields.
Actors responded to Ms. LaBarr’s email, questioning why the AEA assumed that everyone was anti-Trump.
“I feel I must ask. Has this movement against former President Trump been adopted as the official policy of Actors Equity?” responded playwright and Shakespearean actor George Tynan Crowley.
Another AEA member, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed being “disgusted” by the PAC’s anti-Trump focus, stating that it did not represent her views.
‘Stop a Convicted Felon’
In her call for donations to the PAC, Ms. LaBarr urges, “Please do so now to stop a convicted felon from the presidency.”
She emphasized, “We need your help to stop him and politicians like him from ever setting foot in the White House again.”
Ms. LaBarr signed her email “In Solidarity.”
Actress Bren McElroy expressed her disagreement with the idea of taking sides, stating that the Union should remain neutral and not campaign for or against any political party.
Boston actor Chuck Slavin, a spokesman for conservative actors belonging to the Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) union, criticized the entertainment industry for representing only “liberal” views and using President Trump’s conviction as a fundraiser.
Mr. Crowley pointed out that the entertainment industry tends to appoint representatives with a bias against Trump, assuming everyone else shares the same sentiment.
Several actors also raised concerns about the legality of the AEA PAC, given that the organization is a federally-registered 501(c)3 nonprofit.
The mass email sent out to approximately 51,000 actors outlined President Trump’s opposition to raising the minimum wage, proposed cuts to Social Security and Medicare, and past attempts to eliminate funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
Similar controversies arose when actors’ unions enforced COVID mandates in the entertainment industry, leading to lawsuits and disagreements among industry professionals.
Following President Trump’s recent conviction, some veteran actors expressed support for him, challenging the perception that everyone in Hollywood opposes him.
In a post on social media, actor Rob Schneider predicted that President Trump will eventually become a positive force for the country and the world.
Other entertainment figures, such as comedian Jon Lovitz, have also voiced support for President Trump’s actions, particularly in relation to Israel.
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