Changing the Hollywood Narrative with Brad Bessey

From Executive Producer of Entertainment Tonight for 17 years to launching The Talk on CBS daytime to going back to college in his 50s studying and teaching communications at California State University Northridge, to his newest venture as Head of Communications and Talent for Project Angel Food, Brad Bessey has lived a life of glamour and opulence all while remaining true to himself, his values and his truth.  JD and Suzy sit down to talk with Brad about his experience in Hollywood and his dealings with racism, sexism and the lgbt community.

What You Will Hear:

Launching and being Executive Producer of The Talk

Sharon Osbourne and recent racism controversy

Media and systemic racism

Hiring the first black host of Entertainment Tonight.

Having representation at the table is not enough.

The importance and challenges of diversity in all levels of production.

The Sell Out factor

Rape culture and challenging toxic masculinity

Intersectionality and racism in the gay community

Heteronormative white culture

Ways that Brad has been humbled through his experiences.

Trends of dehumanization.

Being the only gay member of his family and an anomile in Hollywood.

Quotes:

“In my defenselessness, my safety lies.”

“The media is one of the biggest problems in systemic racism.”

“You need people of color in leadership roles who are not afraid that they will lose their job if they are true to themselves and to their culture.”

“You don’t need to say stop asian hate, you need to say stop white supremacy.”

“We are not successful yet in dealing with these issues of systemic racism, sexism and violence against our trans community.”

“Changing the narrative is a matter of survival.”

Mentioned:

Project Angel Food

Kevin Fazier

Nischelle Turner

Aimee Stephens