Times Up, Reframe, Women In Film question Statement by Scarlett Johansson

Elapsed time, Refoar, and Women In Film released a joint statement today, expressing their support for actor Scarlett Johansson, and labeling Disney’s attempts to counter its recent lawsuit against the company like “an attack of a gendered character.” Although they clearly indicate that “We take no position on the business issues ”raised in the lawsuit – in which Johansson alleges that Disney breached its contract by simultaneously releasing Black Widow in theaters and on its Disney + streaming service, which has an impact on its ability to capitalize on the film– the groups do “stand firm against “the Disney statement issued in response, which sought to paint Johansson both greedy and insensitive for having launched his complaint.

“This gender attack, ”the joint statement continued,“ Has having no place in a trade conflict and contributes to an environment in which women and girls are seen as less able than men to protect their own interests without being subject to ad hominem criticism.

And, honestly, this response from Disney Is remain both somewhat disconcerting and shocking personal, calling the star costume “Eparticularly sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Funny tip: TThese statements become much funnier, if still also somehow weird and dishonest, if you imagine they are all read in a Mickey Mouse voice.) It feels like the company was, a little ham-fists, try to take advantage of johansson sometimes uneven reputation in recent years to try to deal with the situation, going so far as to claim that the actor has already received $ 20 million for Black Widow, and isn’t that millions enough for a person to have? (Which is a pretty rich affirmation, come as he does Disney’s Devouring Money Hangover.)

On Johansson’s side yesterday issued their own counter statement to this effect, accusing Disney of trying to “arm his success” by revealing his salary for the spy thriller. In a statement from Agent Bryan Lourd, Camp Johansson claims, “The company included her salary in its press release in an attempt to arm her success as an artist and businesswoman, as if it was something she should be ashamed of, ”and called the statement of “direct attack on [Johansson’s] character.“

So, yes: check the local traffic, because there are bridges on fire everywhere today.

[via Variety]