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Ben Stiller is being criticized on social media for downplaying the alleged existence of favoritism in Hollywood after defending a film project featuring several children of major Hollywood artists.
The film at the center of the discussion is titled “The Rightway”. It is directed by Steven Spielberg’s daughter, Destry, and written by Stephen King’s son, Owen. The short is also set to star Sean Penn’s son, Hopper, according to Deadline.
Stiller, 55, the son of late comedians and actors, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, appeared to take umbrage with fellow producer Franklin Leonard jokingly tweeting at the short story, “Hollywood is meritocracy, right?”
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Stiller then issued a response, writing: “Too easy @franklinleonard. People, work, creation. Everyone has their own way. I wish them the best.”
Leonard replied to Stiller, writing, “I do, without fail, but I also think it is important that we recognize these paths.”
Still, the “Meet the Fockers” actor added in a follow-up tweet, “I’m just speaking from experience, and know of none, I would bet they all faced challenges. Different from those who don’t have access to industry. Meritocracy.”
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However, it didn’t take long for the “Dodgeball” star to be berated by many on the social platform who criticized him for ignoring the story of nepotism rampant in Tinseltown.
“I know Ben * Stiller * is not on this bird app calling Hollywood a lmaoooooooo meritocracy,” author Preeti Chhibber tweeted, with another respondent adding, “FALSE. Show business is all about nepotism and access. It has NOTHING to do with merit.”
Ben Stiller, left, is the son of actor and comedian Jerry Stiller. The late comedy veteran launched his career opposite his wife Anne Meara in the 1950s. Meara died in 2015 while her husband Jerry died in May 2020 (AP Photo / Charles Sykes, File)
“Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara’s son would like you to know that Hollywood ‘is ultimately a meritocracy’.” writes another.
Leonard maintained his position in his response to Stiller’s request that success and opportunity in Hollywood is primarily based on merit.
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“I’m just rejecting the claim that the industry is – short or long term – a meritocracy. If so, how do you explain the complete lack of diversity behind the camera? The lack of merit?” he wrote.
The dialogue persisted with Stiller’s writing: “100% agree. Diversity is a much bigger issue. No question. And I see your point, access is access. So yes. I’m saying people without talent don’t really have to break up because of who they are, know, or relate to. “
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Yet Leonardo responded, “Fundamentally disagree”, adding another tweet, “We both know a lot of unskilled people who manage to stay employed for reasons other than talent, although we both have enough decorum not to name names.”
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