Phoebe Robinson & Jessica Chastain Feud Explained

Since SAG-AFTRA actors joined the WGA on the picket lines in July, one of the loudest voices in the united protest has been that of Jessica Chastain. The actress has actively used her platform as a world-renowned Hollywood A-lister, primarily on social media, to address issues affecting workers in the industry, including underpayment, toxic work environments, lack of meaningful residuals, and companies' unethical use of AI that undermines actors' creative contributions.

And so, a few days ago, Chastain attended the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where the Mexican-American film Memory, in which she stars opposite Peter Sarsgaard, premiered and was nominated for the Golden Lion. This decision caused no small amount of controversy, and Jessica Chastain was called out for alleged hypocrisy by comedian, writer, and actress Phoebe Robinson.

Origins of the conflict

Chastain has repeatedly appeared on the picket lines and is generally a strong supporter of the union members' demands. She also delivered this message at a press conference in Venice.

'I hope being here today encourages other independent producers and encourages actors to show up and support our union members. And hopefully we'll see an end to this strike soon. And hopefully the AMPTP will go back to the table,' she said.

SAG-AFTRA granted its members, Chastain and Sarsgaard, a temporary exemption because Memory is an independent project not affiliated with the major studios.

Controversy

The decision to appear at a major film festival, however, was met with no small amount of skepticism.

Comedian Phoebe Robinson was particularly vocal. She noted on her Instagram account, 'Part of what makes a strike work and part of what being a hero is sacrificing something. But if you’re steadily working, doing press, carrying on business as usual then you cannot be a face of a movement or a talking head of a strike.'

Adding fuel to the fire was the fact that Chastain showed up on the red carpet in expensive couture while her industry peers continue to walk the picket lines without receiving a penny.

Fan Opinion

And while many supported Robinson, some fans disagreed with her. It must be remembered that Jessica is following the strategy set forth by the SAG-AFTRA leadership, who personally approved the opportunity to promote this film. Greater involvement by independent studios and filmmakers undermines the power of the AMPTP, which for decades has single-handedly set the terms for industry workers and allowed the big studios to exploit them.

'And it's not just Jessica and these big stars who are benefiting from continued work: it’s hair, makeup, catering, background extras, directors, a huge number of people who do other work on film sets,' noted one fan.

Source: Instagram.