Renowned screenwriter Dan Gordon is ending his involvement with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) due to the group’s failure to condemn the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.
This decision has sparked a significant controversy, shedding light on the intersection of international conflicts, moral responsibility, and the role of unions in addressing global issues.
Gordon, known for his work on “The Hurricane” and “Wyatt Earp,” accused the organization for being silent on the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists against Israel.
A 56-year member of the WGA and a veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, Gordon cited the guild’s refusal to condemn the Hamas attacks as the primary reason for his resignation.
In a statement to the WGA West leadership, he expressed dismay over the organization’s silence, particularly in contrast to its previous vocal stances on social justice issues such as Black Lives Matter and the #MeToo movement.
“We had no trouble, as we should not have had, weighing in after George Floyd was killed. We had no problem, as we should not have had, weighing in on the #MeToo movement. No one said at the time, ‘I don’t want to offend Bill Cosby,’” the “Wyatt Earp” writer stated.
“And yet you’re witness to nothing less than the worst slaughter of Jews since Nazi Germany and you can’t find a word to say to condemn it,” he added.
“We did not, for example, make a comment after Russia invaded Ukraine, nor on terrorist attacks in Somalia, Pakistan or elsewhere,” the guild stated. “It can be an imprecise science for a labor union to pick and choose where it weighs in on both domestic and world affairs.”
Gordon’s resignation signifies his strong moral conviction and belief in the guild’s moral duty to address international tragedies.
The leadership expressed awareness of their limitations and emphasized their humility in the face of the conflict.
Gordon’s decision to resign has sparked a larger conversation within the industry, with more than 300 writers signing an open letter condemning the attacks and criticizing the WGA’s silence.
Following Gordon’s condemnation or the organization, the WGA issued an apology to its members, and pressed that it is often slow to speak on global affairs.
“We are American labor leaders, aware of our limitations and humbled by the magnitude of this conflict,” they wrote. “However, we understand this has caused tremendous pain and for that we are truly sorry.”
“The Guild’s decision not to issue a statement on the events of October 7th has caused pain within our membership that we did not intend,” the group added.
By electing “financial core” status, Gordon relinquishes his ability to vote in WGA elections, participate in awards, or enjoy other membership benefits, although he will continue to work under the same economic terms as guild members.
This decision underscores the depth of Gordon’s conviction and his willingness to take a stand for his principles, despite the consequences within the industry.
In response to the mounting pressure and criticism, the WGA issued a lengthy apology, explaining that the organization drew a distinction between domestic social justice issues and international tragedies, which they generally have not addressed.
The controversy has not only highlighted the complexities of addressing international conflicts within a labor union but has also stirred discussions about the moral responsibilities of industry figures in the face of global tragedies.
Dan Gordon’s resignation from the Writers Guild of America has given rise to a thought-provoking and contentious debate about the role of unions in addressing international conflicts, the moral obligations of industry professionals, and the ramifications of taking a principled stand.
As the controversy unfolds, it underscores the far-reaching impact of global events on the entertainment industry and the weight of moral responsibility in the face of adversity.
