The Tyrant Billionaire

Despite its smaller size, the actors' union has had a significant impact, having initiated several large strikes, with the longest lasting over six months, severely impacting major Hollywood studios.

Unions are like a double edged sword, with both positive and negative sides, primarily depending on who wields the handle.

Especially now, many unions have intricate connections with the mafia. Raymond is an Irish mob boss with his family in Detroit. According to information collected by Henry, the UAW is under Raymond's control.

The current head of the UAW is Jimmy Hoffa, reminding Hardy of the movie "The Irishman."

Hardy walked onto the stage.

He was preparing to record a show.

Glancing at the audience, he saw Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor, Hedy Lamarr, Katharine Hepburn, Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, Ginger Rogers, Shirley Temple, Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Gene Kelly, and Clint Eastwood, among others.

All the faces he saw were Hollywood stars.

Only a few people in Hollywood could gather such a crowd, and Hardy was now one of them.

Irina stepped out, dressed in a glamorous gown, tall and curvaceous, not losing out to the stars.

She smiled at Hardy and spoke into the microphone, "I've done so many episodes of this show, interviewed dozens of stars, senators, renowned entrepreneurs, and scientists, yet today I'm a bit nervous."

"I didn't expect to interview my boss today. If I say something wrong, will my boss dock my pay?"

The audience chuckled softly.

The interview officially began.

Irina asked a few questions, and Hardy responded humorously and candidly.

"Mr. Hardy, I heard you're running for president of the actors union. If you become president, what changes do you plan to make to the union?" Irina asked.

Hardy smiled and said, "For actors, the union is like a parent. When you're wronged or dissatisfied outside, you can come back and complain to your parents, and the union will stand up for you."

"The union should fight for a minimum income standard for actors, including extras. Producers shouldn't arbitrarily lower prices, and there should be a cap on working hours. Some actors are so busy that they can only rest for two or three hours a day and have no days off for months. This is unacceptable."

"We should also strive to improve food standards and working conditions. For example, actors should have insurance for dangerous scenes, like stunt actors and those involved in explosions."

"If an actor signs a contract and doesn't get paid when the contract expires, they can come to the union, and the union will help them chase down the payment from the producers."

Irina blinked her big eyes and asked, "Mr. Hardy, you're also the owner of a film company and a radio company. Wouldn't what you said harm your interests?"

Hardy shook his head.

"What I just mentioned are rights that actors should enjoy. If a company owner only thinks about squeezing money from actors to profit, He isn't a good boss, and such a company will never achieve great development."

"Boss, can I ask for a raise?" Irina asked with a smile.

Hardy laughed, "Of course, as long as it's within a reasonable range. However, the salary levels at my film company, radio company, magazine, and all other enterprises are above the national average."

Irina nodded, "That's true. The employee benefits at Hardy Enterprises are quite good. What else do you plan to change, Mr. Hardy?"

"Not only that, but the union will also provide legal assistance to actors and even help them find work."

"Finally."

Hardy's expression became more serious.

"There is one thing I must emphasize, the 'casting couch' should be banned in Hollywood."

The stars in the audience were stunned.

They never expected Hardy to mention such a sensitive topic. The casting couch is a common practice in Hollywood, something almost everyone has encountered, whether male or female actors.

It's a very taboo subject, one that no one dares to break or openly discuss. Many girls seeking fame and a chance to appear on screen often have to sleep with countless men.

Assistant directors, producers, directors, investors, film company owners, big business executives, wealthy tycoons—the list goes on.

Many actresses have become playthings for men, often more than one.

Many actors aren't exempt either, given that the industry has its share of people who go both ways.

The casting couch is a well known yet taboo topic. Everyone inside and outside the industry knows about it, but no one dares to speak up.

So, when Hardy brought up the topic, the stars were shocked.

They never thought someone would stand up and directly address the issue, let alone propose changing the current situation.

But looking at the man on stage, it suddenly felt very real.

People knew who Hardy was and how powerful he was.

Even if he offended the entire Hollywood community, he wouldn't be afraid, or rather, no one in Hollywood dared to offend him.

Only he could talk about this topic.

Many actors suddenly felt a strong urge, thinking that if Hardy really became the president of the actors union, he might indeed stop this ugly phenomenon.

Even if it couldn't be completely eradicated, it would at least force some people to restrain themselves, making it less blatant.

Perhaps many people would be saved.

Hardy continued, "If during an audition, someone makes sexual advances, refuse them and report it to the union. The union will make them pay dearly."

"If your boss calls and asks you to accompany him for drinks or even to bed, refuse and report it to the union. The union will have a deep conversation with your boss about this issue."

"If you suffer humiliation, abuse, or oppression, tell the union. The union will make them pay a heavy price."

"I'm not a protector, but I hope Hollywood becomes a better place where everyone can work professionally and happily. This is Jon Hardy's promise."

Clap, clap, clap~~!

Clap, clap, clap, clap~~!

After Hardy finished speaking, more than a hundred stars in the audience stood up and applauded vigorously.

Since the debut of the Irina Tonight Show, no guest had ever received such enthusiastic applause, which lasted for a full five or six minutes.

Because Hardy's words truly resonated with these stars.

They knew the industry's dirt better than anyone, having experienced it on their way to fame and even now. Discover tales at m|vl|e|mp|y|r

Hardy stood up to thank them.

Irina also stood up, looking at the man under the spotlight with admiration

She felt lucky to have met him.

Not long ago, the scandal involving the NBC vice president and a female host caused a stir. The host was willing to sleep with the vice president just to get a hosting position.

At the same time, she admired Hardy even more, as he dared to challenge the dark forces of Hollywood. This required immense courage.

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