Legal Warning Sent Over Boycott of Israeli Film Institutions
Several major studios and film organizations in the U.K. have received a legal notice regarding an industry boycott targeting Israeli film institutions.
Details of the Legal Notice
The letter, issued by U.K. Lawyers for Israel, asserts that the boycott, which has the backing of notable Hollywood figures like Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Olivia Colman, and Mark Ruffalo, violates the U.K.’s Equality Act and could adversely affect financing and insurance.
Recipients of the Letter
The notice has been sent to the U.K. branches of Netflix, Disney, Amazon Studios, Apple, and Warner Bros. Discovery, as well as domestic entities such as the BBC, Film4, and ITV. Other recipients include the BFI, Pact, agencies like Curtis Brown and United Agents, and unions including Bectu and Equity.
Implications of the Equality Act
The correspondence highlights that the Equality Act 2010 is crucial in protecting against racism and discrimination in the U.K. It warns that if the film and television sectors cooperate with actions that contradict this legislation, they themselves might be deemed in violation. It also establishes a concerning precedent that might permit the exclusion of individuals or organizations based solely on nationality, ethnicity, or religion.
Selective Application of the Boycott
Furthermore, the letter argues that the boycott’s selective application, which exempts certain institutions based on the ethnicity or religion of their members, indicates that it is influenced by both nationality and religion. According to Film Workers for Palestine, which initiated the boycott, it does not extend to Palestinian Israelis, who are subject to separate guidelines.
Liability and Funding Consequences
While the boycott claims to only affect Israeli-affiliated film institutions rather than individuals, the Equality Act safeguards both organizations and individuals. This is particularly pertinent in the screen industry, where many professionals operate through companies. The letter asserts that studios could face liability for breaches of the Equality Act perpetrated by their staff and representatives.
Broader Impact of the Boycott
The letter warns that intentional violations of the Equality Act could pose litigation risks and potentially affect insurance coverage, even leading to the invalidation of policies. Additionally, organizations like the BFI require compliance with the Equality Act for funding, meaning that any breaches could jeopardize government funding or result in the recovery of previously granted finances.
