ABC TV series 'Grey’s Anatomy' halts production as staff supports nationwide anti-ICE protest
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ABC TV series Grey’s Anatomy stopped production for a day on Friday, January 30, amid a nationwide protest against ICE crackdown in the US.
The TV drama decided to shut down after the Somali Student Association, Black Student Union, and Graduate Labor Union at the University of Minnesota called for the national demonstrations in the aftermath the death of two US citizens at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.
Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent, Jonathan Ross, on January 7 in Minneapolis. On January 24, another Minneapolis citizen named Alex Pretti died after Border patrol agents shot him.
'Grey's Anatomy' shuts production over staffing shortage
'Grey’s Anatomy', a primetime medical drama that airs on ABC, temporarily halted production on January 30 after crew members indicated they would take part in a “National Shutdown” protesting US immigration enforcement and ICE operations, according to Deadline.
The decision was reportedly driven by anticipated staffing shortages rather than a formal strike, with members of the show’s crew choosing to participate in the protests.
The one-day pause came as demonstrations and walkouts spread across the country, urging people to skip work, school and shopping in opposition to recent enforcement actions.
The pause in filming shows how the demonstrations are spilling into workplaces and the entertainment industry, with Grey’s Anatomy being one of the first major US television productions to be directly affected by the protests.
Students demand end to 'ICE’s reign of terror'
In a statement, the students’ union said, “The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country – to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN. On Friday, January 30, join a nationwide day of no school, no work and no shopping. Vote NO to ICE funding.”
The Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) also decided to join in.
In a statement, they said, “MOCA will temporarily close both MOCA Grand Avenue and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, tomorrow, January 30. The museum will reopen at both locations with regular hours on Saturday, January 31.”
“This decision is made in recognition of calls for a nationwide pause and with consideration for how scheduled demonstrations in Downtown Los Angeles may affect access for our staff and visitors,” the statement added.
Kathy Griffin and Tim Cook want people to be united amid crackdown
Meanwhile, a lot of big names and celebrities have condemned the Trump administration’s handling of the immigrants.
Comedian Kathy Griffin asked her fans and followers to identify their non-MAGA neighbors and get united for the ICE resistance.
“I live in Los Angeles. It’s happening at targeted places in Los Angeles. And I think it’s time to talk to the neighbors in real life. It’s time to talk to your neighbors, find out if they’re MAGA or not. Sorry, but we have to know who’s on our team and start to plan,” she said on her YouTube show, 'Talk Your Head Off with Kathy Griffin’.
Also, Apple CEO Tim Cook demanded “de-escalation” after the death of Pretti. In an internal memo, he reportedly said, “I’m heartbroken by the events in Minneapolis, and my prayers and deepest sympathies are with the families, with the communities, and with everyone that’s been affected.”
“This is a time for de-escalation. I believe America is strongest when we live up to our highest ideals, when we treat everyone with dignity and respect no matter who they are or where they’re from, and when we embrace our shared humanity,” Cook added.
