Joan Rivers settles WGA beef, but E!’s “Fashion Police” writers remain on strike

Joan Rivers avoided a court hearing next week that would have put her in the hot seat over continuing to write and host E!’s Fashion Police while her writers remain on strike.

That said, the strike continues?

Here is what Rivers announced on Monday, via a joint statement with the Writers Guild of America, East:

“As a lifetime member of the WGA, I have always supported the writers and want what’s best for them. In further support of the striking writers, I’ve decided not to render any writing services even though as a comedian and SAG-AFTRA host, I often write material for myself. Rest assured though I will always say what’s on my mind.”

“Now that this is behind me, can we talk? Because we should talk. As a WGA member, I’ve always supported the Fashion Police writers having a contract. It’s time for both sides to sit down at the table and negotiate. Forget about the election. We all want the same thing – to get this behind us – so let’s make this deal!”

The Writers Guild had alleged Rivers had violated the guild’s “Working Rule 8” by writing while the show’s other writers were on strike — which they’ve been on since April 17, 2013. A hearing had been scheduled on the matter Oct. 14. However, Rivers continues to host the show, under her contract with SAG-AFTRA.

This is similar to the situations that late-night hosts such as Conan O’Brien and others felt during the full WGA strike, when some returned to the airwaves to host but ad-libbed their monologues to avoid charges.

From WGA-E President Michael Winship, this statement: “We are very pleased that we have been able to resolve the charges against Ms. Rivers and will not be proceeding to a disciplinary hearing. We recognize Ms. Rivers’ support for the striking writers and her illustrious career. We are also pleased that, as part of the resolution of the Charges, Ms. Rivers has agreed not to write during the strike and to meet with E! to advocate for immediate contract negotiations in support of the Fashion Police writers.”

Previously: WGA supported the striking Fashion Police writers with picketing and videos over the summer.

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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