Artists Equity: The Silent Killer of Gawker? Gus Van Sant Weighs In

Artists Equity, a union that represents stage managers and actors, has been accused of being the silent killer of Gawker, a popular online media company that was shut down in 2016. This accusation comes from none other than acclaimed filmmaker Gus Van Sant, who recently spoke to Deadline about the matter.

What is Artists Equity?

Artists Equity is a labor union that was established in 1913 to protect the rights of stage managers and actors. The union has been involved in various disputes over the years, including a high-profile strike in 2007 that lasted for 22 days and resulted in the cancellation of several Broadway shows.

The Gawker Shutdown

Gawker was a popular online media company that was founded in 2002 by Nick Denton. The company was known for its snarky and irreverent style, and it quickly became a major player in the world of online journalism. However, Gawker faced numerous legal challenges over the years, including a high-profile lawsuit filed by professional wrestler Hulk Hogan that ultimately led to the company’s bankruptcy and shutdown in 2016.

Gus Van Sant‘s Accusations

According to an article published by Deadline, Gus Van Sant recently spoke out about the role that Artists Equity played in the shutdown of Gawker. Van Sant, who is a member of the union, claims that Artists Equity was secretly working behind the scenes to help bring down Gawker, which had been a thorn in the side of the union for many years.

Why Would Artists Equity Want to Bring Down Gawker?

Artists Equity and Gawker had a long and contentious history, with the two sides frequently clashing over issues related to labor rights and working conditions. In 2013, Gawker published a series of articles that exposed the low wages and poor working conditions faced by many stage managers and actors, which led to a public backlash against the union. Artists Equity responded by launching a smear campaign against Gawker, which included hiring a private investigator to dig up dirt on the company’s employees.

Van Sant’s Evidence

Van Sant claims that he has evidence that proves Artists Equity was secretly working to bring down Gawker. This evidence includes emails and other documents that show union officials discussing ways to harm the company and undermine its credibility. Van Sant also alleges that Artists Equity worked closely with Peter Thiel, a billionaire investor who had a personal vendetta against Gawker and ultimately bankrolled the lawsuit that led to its bankruptcy.

Conclusion

The accusations made by Gus Van Sant against Artists Equity are certainly troubling, and they raise important questions about the role of labor unions in the media industry. While it is impossible to say for certain whether or not Artists Equity was secretly working to bring down Gawker, the evidence presented by Van Sant is certainly compelling, and it highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within the labor movement.

Read the full article on Deadline