Yeah, we’re as surprised as you are that Fashion Police has writers, but it seems Joan Rivers, famed for her “can we talk?” catchphrase will soon have less to say. A dozen writers of the popular E! series have gone on strike against the network and Joan Rivers’ Rugby Productions, which jointly employ the writing staff.
This news comes two weeks after the writers filed complaints with the state of California against the network and Rivers’ company alleging the company has denied paying them $1.5 million in regular and overtime hours.
According to Ned Rice, one of the writers involved in the suit, the goal is simply to become affiliated with the Writers Guild of America. “We have earned the right to be a Guild show, we deserve to be a Guild show, and we want to be a Guild show,” he says in a statement. “The ball is clearly in E! and Rugby’s court right now and we’re ready to go back to work on Fashion Police just as soon as they sign a WGA contract.”
While Joan has yet to make an official comment, we don’t expect her to remain silent on this for long.
Update: We knew Joan would side with the writers. TheWrap reports that the network has released a statement to the press indicating the comic’s support for her striking joke writers.
It reads: “As a point of clarification, Joan Rivers has gone on record repeatedly that she supports the ‘Fashion Police’ writers and wants a fair agreement for them.”
Polaro
Is Joan, whom I usually adore, being a greedy bitch? Please say it isn’t so.
hephaestion
I’m gonna have to have a week or so to take in this unfathomable news that “Fashion Police” has writers. And they have at least a DOZEN of them! How on earth is that possible??? They have to WRITE the show’s panelists’ lines like “Rihanna’s green dress was SO 1985!”???
My mind is blown.
kayakriver
Can someone explain to me what the writers do for fashion police ?????? WHEN do they need writers?