Arts & Entertainment

Ryan Murphy spearheads effort for Hollywood diversity

‘American Horror Story’ show runner wants to help minorities

Published

10 years ago

February 5, 2016

Mariah Cooper

(Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)

Ryan Murphy is initiating an effort to expand diversity in Hollywood to include more LGBT people, women and people of color, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Murphy was spurned into action after hearing former publicist Nanci Ryder’s speech at The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment breakfast, where she said Hollywood had a “gender problem.”

“Nanci said, ‘People in power, you have a position and responsibility to change the industry,’ and I thought, ‘She’s right,’ “Murphy told The Hollywood Reporter.

Murphy, show runner for “Scream Queens,” American Horror Story” and “American Crime Story” has decided to create inclusion for minority groups by having 50 percent of his director positions filled by women, people of color or members of the LGBT community.

According to the Directors Guild of America, women are 16 percent of directors in T.V. and minorities are 18 percent.

Young people will also be given more attention. Murphy’s plans will have outreach at colleges and universities for potential internship and shadowing opportunities. He plans to have a database of names and contact information that he can share with other show-runners.

“The industry has always been about, you come to us,” Murphy says. “There’s not a lot of effort and inclusion, and I’m saying, ‘No, we’re going to go to you.’”

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Sports

‘Heated Rivalry’ stars to participate in Olympic torch relay

Games to take place next month in Italy

Published

7 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Staff reports

(Photo courtesy of Crave HBO Max)

“Heated Rivalry” stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will participate in the Olympic torch relay ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics that will take place next month in Italy.

HBO Max, which distributes “Heated Rivalry” in the U.S., made the announcement on Thursday in a press release.

The games will take place in Milan and Cortina from Feb. 6-22. The HBO Max announcement did not specifically say when Williams and Storrie will participate in the torch relay.

Bars & Parties

Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans

Entertainers TrevHER and Grey host event with live performance

Published

9 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by New Africa/Bigstock)

Spark Social Events will host “Ru Paul’s Drag Race S18 Watch Party Hosted by Local Drag Queens” on Friday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.

Drag entertainers TrevHER and Grey will provide commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party will take place on a heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space.

This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Bars & Parties

‘Queer Eye’ watch party set for Friday

DC Center to host event

Published

9 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Members of the cast of 'Queer Eye' speak at an event at Crush Dance Bar in August. (Blade photo by Michael Key)

The DC Center is hosting a watch party for an episode of the 10th and final season of “Queer Eye,” which was filmed in D.C. The screening will be held on Friday, Jan. 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Center.

The screening will last 45-55 minutes, with community time both before and after the episode. Drinks and snacks will be provided and organizers promise a “surprise or two.” For information on tickets, visit the DC Center’s website.