Reality TV has long existed in a gray area when it comes to fair compensation. However, the tide may be turning as more stars, including Bethenny Frankel, NeNe Leakes, and Lisa Rinna, are speaking up against mistreatment from networks. A lawyer has even penned a letter to NBCUniversal highlighting the legal issues faced by reality TV stars. This raises the question: what would happen if these stars went on strike? The potential consequences could be significant.
Bethenny Frankel has been vocal about the exploitation of reality TV stars and has called for unionization and better compensation. This is not an unfounded demand, considering that reality TV operates in a similar manner to streaming platforms, where networks have free reign over their stars without necessarily compensating them adequately. The absence of clear rules and regulations has allowed studios to overstep boundaries without fear of repercussions.
NeNe Leakes has also taken a stand against Bravo and Andy Cohen, suing them for racial discrimination and creating a hostile work environment. Although she dropped the case with prejudice, the current climate of demanding fair treatment makes it a crucial time to revisit the lawsuit.
Reality TV occupies a unique space within the entertainment industry, with some people dismissing it as trashy while others obsess over it. However, there is a distinct difference between reality TV stars and actors. When individuals sign up for reality TV, they often sacrifice their privacy, intellectual property, and control over their careers and public appearances for a certain period of time. Essentially, they sign their lives away. This raises the question of whether fame is worth the loss of autonomy.
Critics may argue that reality TV stars, such as the Real Housewives, were already wealthy before joining the show, so why would they need a union? However, the issue at hand is not solely about money; it encompasses human rights violations. A recent letter sent to NBCUniversal by lawyers representing unnamed reality stars alleges disturbing mistreatment, including attempts to induce mental instability through alcohol consumption while depriving individuals of food and sleep, denying mental health treatment to those exhibiting signs of deterioration, exploiting minors without compensation, distributing nonconsensual pornography, covering up acts of sexual violence, and preventing cast members from leaving the show even in dire circumstances.
These allegations are serious and go well beyond a desire for fair compensation. Discovery was also recently called out for mistreatment in the docu-series “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets.” This highlights the need for change in the reality TV industry.
If reality TV stars were to go on strike, it could have a profound impact on the TV industry. The ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG/AFTRA have already halted production on many shows, causing delays in release dates. The Real Housewives franchise could face similar setbacks if its stars were to strike. If other networks’ reality TV stars joined the cause, the television landscape could change dramatically in the coming year.
There have been reports of crews working in reality television struggling and growing frustrated due to budget cuts. It is in NBCUniversal’s best interest to open negotiations and address these issues to avoid negative consequences. If NBCUniversal takes the right approach, it could set a precedent and keep the drama on screen. However, if they fail to do so, fans may need to find new hobbies or turn to sports as a substitute.
In conclusion, reality TV stars, led by Bethenny Frankel, are demanding fair treatment and unionization from networks like NBCUniversal. The allegations of mistreatment, exploitation, and cover-ups cannot be ignored. If reality TV stars decide to go on strike, it could have a significant impact on the TV industry, resulting in delayed or canceled shows and a shift in viewers’ habits. NBCUniversal should seriously consider opening negotiations to prevent potential backlash and financial losses.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
