Celebrities Call to Rescind Emmy Nomination

August 20, 2024 – A coalition of over 100 actors and entertainment industry professionals, including notable figures like Debra Messing and Selma Blair, is urging the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to withdraw the Emmy nomination of documentarian Bisan Atef Owda. The group cites Owda's alleged anti-Semitic rhetoric and her connections to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which is classified as a terrorist organization. The Creative Community for Peace (CCFP), a nonprofit focused on combating anti-Semitism in the arts, spearheaded the initiative, gathering over 150 signatures from Hollywood leaders. In their letter, they express concern that Owda's nomination would effectively legitimize a terrorist group, highlighting her history of promoting harmful narratives and violence against Israel. Owda's film, which earned her the nomination, documents the experiences of Palestinian activists amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Critics point to Owda's past statements, including accusations of genocide against Israel, and her participation in a 2015 rally celebrating the PFLP's anniversary as evidence of her longstanding ties to the organization. The CCFP argues that these connections raise significant ethical issues that the Emmy Awards should not overlook, especially given the awards' stated commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and unethical conduct. Despite the backlash, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has defended Owda's nomination, stating they will not reconsider her inclusion. The controversy continues to spark debate over the intersection of art, politics, and ethics in the entertainment industry.