Ray Fisher Slams WB After Studio Tweets Support for Social Justice

Forum 3 years ago

Ray Fisher Slams WB After Studio Tweets Support for Social Justice

Ray Fisher has shared his response to a tweet from WarnerMedia in support of social justice. The Justice League actor has spent the last year detailing his negative experience on the set of the 2017 movie during the Joss Whedon-led reshoots. Fisher has accused Whedon of "abusive" and "unprofessional" behavior, allegations that opened the floodgates to many of the director's past collaborators sharing similar experiences. Fisher has also spoken out against higher ups involved in the film and the subsequent investigation into it, including Jon Berg, Geoff Johns, and Walter Hamada.

The actor believes racism played a role in his negative experience on Justice League. For example, Fisher has stated WB deliberately removed characters of color from the Justice League theatrical cut, alleging "blatantly racist conversations were had and entertained—on multiple occasions—by former and current top level executives at Warner Bros. Pictures." He's also spoken about reluctance on the part of studio executives to make "an angry Black man" the focus of the film, as well as "problematic requests" involving asking Fisher to channel Quasimodo in his portrayal of Cyborg. For its part, Warner Bros. has said its investigation found the cuts made in the theatrical version of Justice League "were not racially motivated."

Fisher has continued to speak out since the conclusion of the investigation. This includes a response to a tweet from WarnerMedia posted after Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murdering George Floyd. In its statement, the company reiterated its commitment to advancing "racial equity and social justice." Fisher offered a strong reaction to WarnerMedia's tweet, even mentioning CEO Jason Kilar in a follow up.

Considering Fisher's past comments about his experience on Justice League, it makes sense he was upset by WarnerMedia's statement. It's clear many others felt the same, with #IStandWithRayFisher trending around the same time. Fisher's reaction also proves he remains unafraid of calling out higher ups at WarnerMedia, even its CEO. As of this writing, the company's tweet has been up for over 12 hours, so it seems unlikely it will be removed or amended at this point, though it is possible.

WarnerMedia's statement comes as many other companies posted similar sentiments following the trial. Though these reactions can come from a good place, they often feel perfunctory and don't offer any indication real change is on the horizon. WarnerMedia may well be serious about its commitment to social justice, but it's understandable Ray Fisher is skeptical as of now. The actor likely feels the company first needs to take more responsibility for what happened on Justice League before it can recommit itself to furthering equality for all.