During a recent fireside chat at the Tribeca Festival, actress Ellen Pompeo expressed her confusion over former President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation policies and military raids. She questioned, “how long is the hard-on going to last?” referring to the ongoing climate of tension and hostility. The actress, known for her role in Grey’s Anatomy and her involvement with Good American Family, emphasized the necessity of having more women in positions of leadership to counteract the prevailing negativity.
Pompeo articulated that “the simplest answer is, we need more women in power and more women in leadership.” She pointed out the prevalent anger among men in leadership roles, suggesting that they need to “chill out” and “have a sandwich, smoke a joint.” Her critique highlights a stark contrast between male leaders and the emotional intelligence she believes women possess. “Amid the Trump administration, we’re dealing with a lot of low emotional intelligence and ego,” she noted, adding, “I can’t say all men, obviously. I’m sorry guys, I love you.”
In her discussion, Pompeo questioned the historical effectiveness of aggression, stating, “When, historically, has aggression ever served anybody?” She referenced significant events like the Vietnam War and both World Wars, arguing that they only resulted in loss and devastation. “What benefit has ever come from any of it?” she asked, emphasizing that such aggression is unsustainable. “It’s Jim Jones, ‘Let’s all drink the Kool-Aid and say goodbye,’” she concluded, drawing a parallel between destructive leadership and cult mentality.
Pompeo delved into the nature of leadership and societal tendencies to follow charismatic figures. She referenced Jesus as a historical leader who attracted followers due to his charisma: “He was probably a very charismatic guy, probably handsome and cool.” She argued that modern leaders lack that same appeal and cautioned against blindly following them. “We shouldn’t be living and dying by everything they say,” she remarked.
During her conversation with Katie Couric, Pompeo also reflected on her long-standing partnership with Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes. She revealed that there were moments when her team suggested viewing Rhimes as a rival, but Pompeo resisted that notion. “I believe that you get more with honey than you do with vinegar,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of collaboration over competition.
As the entertainment industry faces significant challenges, Pompeo addressed the ongoing exodus of production from Los Angeles to other cities both in the U.S. and internationally. She criticized California’s government for failing to provide adequate tax incentives, which has prompted filmmakers to seek opportunities elsewhere. “It’s a little bit too late now for much to be done,” she lamented, highlighting how this shift affects many in the industry, particularly those working behind the scenes.
Pompeo concluded her remarks by expressing a desire for change in the industry, stating, “Let’s change it, like, yesterday.” However, she acknowledged the challenges ahead, as production facilities have been established in locations like Ireland, New Jersey, Atlanta, and Toronto, which are now incentivized to attract film projects. “For a town who built itself on an industry, they let it slip away really easily,” she noted, reflecting on the devastating impact of these changes on Los Angeles's film landscape.
