But just because I am unfazed does not mean that I will remain silent about the deeply entrenched hypocrisy, cowardliness, and lack of accountability running rampant across Tinseltown – especially when they reach such levels of depravity. I’m looking at you, Ezra Miller.
Though the DC Comics universe superstar is facing up to 26 years for burglary charges and has been previously charged with assault and disorderly conduct–not to mention several allegations of harassment–Warner Bros and others involved in his upcoming movie The Flash have failed to make a statement condemning his actions.
The silence makes sense, considering that The Flash sequel has already been written and the first movie is set to come out next summer. If the movie producers say anything about their star being on trial for burglary and having a troubling criminal record, then they risk bad press and losing out on a chunk of cash. That would not fly in Hollywood, where, ultimately, cash is king.
But if the rumor swirling on social media as of late is true, there is a possibility that Miller might be replaced in the second movie with actor George MacKay. Fans have already started replacing Miller with MacKay in their fan art, as if to will the replacement into existence.
For integrity’s sake, I sure hope that the rumor is true. I am not arguing that the studio should pull the movie that has already been made, but I cannot think of a single good reason why the producers should hold onto Miller for the sequel when he’s facing substantial prison time and has an embarrassing record of illegal and degenerate behavior.
Other celebrities have been canceled for doing much less. Gina Carano, star of "The Mandalorian", was fired from the whole franchise because her political views were not in line with Disney. But Miller–whose problems have persisted and clearly needs to get help if he is truly acting out because of mental illness–should be allowed to walk away from all of this consequence free?
I don’t think that’s right. Thankfully, not everyone in Hollywood is spineless--one brave voice has spoken out. Actress Issa Rae expressed what has been on the minds of many when she said that the failure of the Flash filmmakers to speak out “is a clear example of the lengths that Hollywood will go to save itself and to protect offenders … It’s just a constant pattern of abuse that’ll only persist if Hollywood continues to insist on being this way.”
Good on Issa for saying something. But where is everyone else? And I am not talking about Flash fans, who clearly are on the right side of the argument. I am talking about the rest of Hollywood.
The irony of Hollywood scrambling to protect Miller is that he would be the perfect target for them to pick on if not for two key features. Miller is a successful white male–the kind of person Hollywood likes to tear down now in film–but the problem is that he uses “they/them” pronouns and has previously shown support for the #MeToo movement. So how bad can he be, really?
The sad fact of that matter is that scandals will continue to emerge from Hollywood like clockwork unless more people start speaking out. Despite constantly making and peddling movies that barely disguise their woke, social justice agenda, when faced with an issue of real moral weight, Hollywood cowers in fear.
The silence from Hollywood’s top dogs regarding Miller is deafening–but it doesn’t have to be this way. There is still time for The Flash producers to do the right thing: Drop Miller and replace him with someone else. Criminal behavior should never be rewarded or encouraged with a starring role.
Rick Dejesus is the lead vocalist for Adelitas Way. He is currently on tour to promote their new single "New Era.”
