Gina Yashere, who plays Kemi in the CBS sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola, is breaking down the reasons why actors and writers have gone on strike.
The comedian took to Instagram to share a video where she points out the reasons for the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike. One of the first reasons she cites is healthcare explaining that “to qualify for healthcare you have to earn over $26,000,” noting that “87% of actors working in this industry in America do not earn enough to qualify for healthcare.” “The middle streets and the Tom Cruise’s are 0.2% of all actors working in this industry today,” she added.
Yashere said that writers have to earn $40k a year to qualify for healthcare benefits but 92% of writers don’t earn enough to get those benefits. “Did you know there are people within these networks who are being paid more money for scheduling TV shows than the people that actually created the TV shows that they’re scheduling?
It’s nonsensical,” she noted. Yashere acknowledged those detractors asking why she’s complaining when she’s doing well, adding, “for those of us who are more fortunate and have been able to make a decent living in this industry, it’s up to us to stand up for those of us that aren’t.” She continued, “I’ve been in that position.
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