The Wolf of Los Angeles-Chapter 375: Mutual Attacks

[Chapter 375: Mutual Attacks]

In the office, silence fell over everyone.

James Shamus personally reviewed the production teams nominated for several significant awards at this year's Oscars, confirming that the only genuine feminist film was Million Dollar Baby.

Ang Lee stood by, observing, and remarked, "We and Ray both suffered losses, and Million Dollar Baby will directly benefit."

"Since they struck first, we have to hit back," reminded Anderson, the project head from the BlackRock Film Foundation. "Given Harvey Weinstein's consistent wins at the recent Oscars, we can infer that if this continues, it could jeopardize our Oscar chances."

James raised his hand to interrupt others, saying, "Let me think about how to respond."

Everyone else fell silent, waiting for James to make a decision.

As James pondered and searched for information, after a good while he said, "Million Dollar Baby was adapted from a short story by Toole. Let's find a down-on-his-luck Hollywood screenwriter who can accuse Toole of stealing his idea. We can easily create evidence and initial drafts by asking the prop master to whip up a few copies."

Anderson nodded, "Good idea. Hollywood often sees filmmakers emerge to accuse others of plagiarism after a film hits big."

James pointed at Anderson, "You take care of this." He continued, "They fabricated fake news and smeared us through public opinion. We can counter that narrative by spreading information through the media, accusing the creators of Million Dollar Baby of discriminating against the homosexuals."

Ang Lee reminded, "Right now, homosexuals are also considered marginalized."

"That's fine," James was already prepared for this. "Contact the North Hollywood gay organization, the Mattachine Society, and have them protest in front of the Burbank studio for Million Dollar Baby."

Heath Ledger, eager to please those in power, volunteered, "I'll handle that."

James wasn't done yet. "Million Dollar Baby is the puppet master. The real attack is coming from Jamie Foxx and Ray, who can't be let off the hook either. Let's utilize our media resources to make Jamie Foxx earn a rapist label."

Anderson replicated the idea, saying, "Should we find a female gay actress to go to the police and accuse Jamie Foxx?"

James instructed, "Let's go with that plan!"

People in the office slowly left, getting busy.

It was a critical time during Hollywood's award season. These individuals, beyond their routine clarifications, commenced attacks against their competitors.

They worked efficiently and were financially well-off, with ample resources in the media industry.

...

That night, a struggling screenwriter, who had worked in Hollywood for nearly ten years, posted a video on Twitter accusing the original author of Million Dollar Baby of plagiarizing his idea.

He also shared a series of drafts and images that he created during his short story project and included his credentials and photos from his time in the women's boxing scene.

At first glance, it looked genuine.

The next day, many entertainment media outlets circulated the news.

...

At the same time, a background actor who had appeared in Million Dollar Baby came forward. He initially was interviewed by the media and claimed that because of his sexual orientation, he had repeatedly faced ridicule and oppression from the crew, which led him to experience significant mental stress, resulting in depression and forcing him to see a psychologist.

This person approached the Mattachine Society in North Hollywood seeking support from the gay organization.

Heath Ledger connected with the Mattachine Society, which still operated outside mainstream society, and they decided to help the mentally distressed gay individual by organizing a protest against the discriminators.

...

Meanwhile, a lower-level actress in Hollywood walked into the LAPD's West Division and reported that she was sexually assaulted by Jamie Foxx over three years ago.

Her report mirrored that of Alice, stating that Jamie Foxx had lured her into a hotel room under the pretense of going over a script and studying acting nuance, subsequently pressuring and coercing her into unwanted advances.

As the investigation wrapped up paperwork, a tip from a contact within the division leaked details to the media.

The West Division quickly processed the information and issued a subpoena to Jamie Foxx.

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---

In Burbank, Jamie Foxx was surrounded by dozens of reporters at a promotional event.

For a lesser-known black biographical film, having so many media outlets present should have made the cast and crew happy. But, including Jamie Foxx, the cast, directors, and producers all wore grim expressions.

Most of the reporters had followed the LAPD there.

The same blonde detective handed over the official subpoena, with details that echoed the previous claim almost precisely.

When Jamie received it, he was shocked and murmured, "Did...I? Is this happening again?"

Producer John Paley was furious, confronting Jamie Foxx, "What's going on?!"

The cast was already scrambling to manage the public relations fallout from the last case, and now a second victim was surfacing.

Jamie Foxx was immobilized, exclaiming, "I don't know! I have no idea what's happening!"

John Paley and director Taylor Hackford were close to exploding with frustration.

In front of all the media cameras, Jamie Foxx had no choice but to follow the LAPD to the West Division to clarify the situation.

The LAPD vehicle left.

John Paley refused to take questions and returned to the business car. Once director Taylor got in, he said, "These feminists just don't quit, do they?"

Taylor's expression also soured.

John added, "Let's find a way to hit back at the feminists! We may not have to move fast, but we can't let them rest either!"

Taylor agreed, "Let's get them!"

---

In Burbank, at the Million Dollar Baby studio.

A crowd of men and women started gathering at the entrance, holding various protest signs and banners.

Some of the men were particularly flamboyant, and some of the women were more masculine.

Media personnel kept shooting photos.

These LGBTQ groups were protesting the Million Dollar Baby crew for their discrimination against LGBTQ individuals.

A studio representative came out to explain but was met with verbal assaults from the protesters.

On the second floor, Clint Eastwood watched from the window and asked screenwriter Paul Haggis, "Did we provoke them?"

"No." Paul Haggis, who also served as a co-producer, replied, "On the media front, a surprising report has surfaced about the crew discriminating against LGBTQ individuals, along with an LGBTQ background actor publicly accusing us of discrimination leading to their depression..."

The old cowboy shook his head, "A bunch of crazies! Call the police to get them out of here."

Paul Haggis replied, "They're occupying a public area, calling the police won't help."

Back in his younger days, the stubborn cowboy would've pulled a gun to scare these monsters away.

But decades of Hollywood experience had made him accustomed to all sorts of antics. He said, "This is clearly aimed at us, and I can only assume it's Oscar-related."

Paul Haggis reacted swiftly, "In this award season, there's only one film related to LGBTQ themes."

The old cowboy confirmed, "Brokeback Mountain?" He shook his head, "Oscar PR is hitting a new low."

Paul added, "The incident in '98 went overboard, with so many World War II veterans attacking Saving Private Ryan."

The tough old cowboy made a firm declaration, "Since they want a war, let's bring it on. I'll contact my old friends to ensure they dismiss Brokeback Mountain as an option."

Paul Haggis advised, "Actually, we could find a difficult group to go after them too. North Hollywood has more than just LGBTQ issues; there's feminism too, and this is a feminist film."

"I'll reach out to my old friends," said the old cowboy, clearly irritated by these activists, gestured, "You contact the feminist organizations."

Paul Haggis responded, "Alright, let's do that!"

---

In North Hollywood, at the Feminist Majority Foundation.

Alice carried a bag as she headed towards the meeting room.

Fiona, following closely, had her phone ring. She pulled it out to check, finding a picture sent by a companion via Twitter.

A large crowd gathered at the entrance of the Million Dollar Baby studio, holding various protest and anti-discrimination slogans.

Fiona pocketed her phone and quickly entered the small conference room.

Michelle, Jenna, and other FMF executives arrived one after another.

Today's meeting originally intended to discuss how to utilize the Jamie Foxx incident to further amplify the Feminist Majority Foundation's presence through media.

Fiona planned to bring up the Million Dollar Baby situation to escalate tensions between both sides.

But before she could speak, Michelle declared, "We have a change of plans. Just half an hour ago, we received a call for help from the Million Dollar Baby crew. This is a film supporting women's rights, aiming for the Oscars, which aligns perfectly with our goals. We must assist the crew!"

After months of silence, the feminists needed exposure that was sky-high.

Alice had already provided the Jamie Foxx incident, significantly boosting the Feminist Majority Foundation's visibility.

Now, the Million Dollar Baby crew offered an opportunity to spotlight an Oscar-nominated lead actress, an Oscar-winning director, and a large LGBTQ presence, along with the Brokeback Mountain team who won the Venice Golden Lion; to pass up on such an opportunity would be a crime!

Michelle knew well that in order to entirely restore feminism's influence in Los Angeles before the wildfire, this battle was crucial!

The original topics for today's meeting were no longer of importance.

Jenna turned to her and asked, "What are we going to do?"

Michelle declared, "Now, we're going to attack from three fronts. First, we'll organize a group to head to Burbank to support the Million Dollar Baby crew, clashing with those disgusting gay and lesbian groups! Second, we'll gather a bunch of folks to challenge the Brokeback Mountain crew at Universal Studios for promoting same-sex relations, which harms women's rights!"

She raised her voice, "I ask, if men are all busy with each other, who will serve as our stepping stones? Who will benefit us?"

This argument made perfect sense, earning praise from many in the meeting room.

Finally, Michelle added, "We can't let that jerk Jamie Foxx get away either; he must face serious punishment!"

*****

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