Part 5/7:
Further fueling resentment is Hollywood’s own behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the industry continued to produce content and reap profits, everyday Americans faced lockdowns, job losses, and economic hardship. The industry’s resilience and continued earning while others suffered have contributed to the feeling that Hollywood is self-serving.
Many people saw how Hollywood celebrities and studios prioritized their work and income over public health and small businesses. The narrative of sacrificed livelihoods clashes with the industry's continued operations, leading to widespread skepticism about Hollywood's claims of hardship or victimhood during the strike.