Real Housewives star Bethenny Frankel recently called for reality performers to join the writers and actors strikes in order to protest their own treatment and lack of residuals. SAG-AFTRA has stepped up to support Frankel and offer its assistance. The conversation began when Frankel posted a video on Instagram on July 19 questioning why reality TV wasn’t on strike. She revealed that she had only been paid $7,250 for her first season of reality TV and had never received any residuals from her time on various reality series. Frankel argued that networks and streamers shouldn’t be able to profit from reality stars without acknowledging the cultural and financial impact of shows like The Hills, Vanderpump Rules, Jersey Shore, The Bachelor, and The Bachelorette.
One source, who chose to remain anonymous, stated that reality stars are compensated differently from traditional residuals. They argued that reality cast members can use the platform to grow businesses and brands. However, Frankel challenged this idea, contending that reality TV has generated millions of dollars globally and that her name, likeness, and content are used for years to come without adequate compensation.
In response to Frankel’s concerns, SAG-AFTRA has reached out to her legal team to address the treatment of reality performers. They have stated that depending on the production and the talent involved, reality stars can be covered under their Network Code Agreement. The guild expressed its willingness to assist Frankel, her legal team, and reality performers in their fight against exploitative practices. They urge reality performers and members to reach out to SAG-AFTRA’s Entertainment Contracts Department to ensure the protection of reality performers and to establish a new path towards union coverage.
This support from SAG-AFTRA follows the recent actions of lawyers Bryan Freedman and Mark Geragos, who sent a litigation hold letter to NBCUniversal. The letter, sent on August 4, alleges “grotesque and depraved treatment” of reality stars and crew members employed by or contracted with Bravo Media, E!, and CNBC. The letter includes claims that cast members are given alcohol while being deprived of food and sleep, denied mental health treatment, and trapped in their series even under dire circumstances. It also suggests that acts of sexual violence have been covered up.
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Freedman expressed gratitude towards SAG-AFTRA for their support, noting the challenging working conditions that reality performers have faced. He accused networks and studios of encouraging an environment that profits from subjecting reality performers to deplorable conditions, illegal contracts, and even criminal conduct. Freedman sees SAG-AFTRA’s commitment to joining Frankel and other reality performers as a watershed moment that sends a clear message to those who profit from mistreating unprotected workers that financial gain is not a sufficient justification for such mistreatment.
The actions taken by Frankel, Freedman, Geragos, and SAG-AFTRA highlight the growing concerns over the treatment of reality performers and the lack of fair compensation for their work. As reality TV continues to gain popularity and generate significant revenue, it is important for performers to have adequate protections and to receive their fair share of the profits. By standing together and demanding change, reality stars hope to create a new path towards better treatment and compensation in the industry.
