Democrats' Cringey Opposition, DEI Ban Black History Quiz | Gabrielle Union

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Daily Show: Ears Edition Episode: Democrats' Cringey Opposition, DEI Ban Black History Quiz | Gabrielle Union
Release Date: February 28, 2025
Host: Jesse Williams
Guest: Gabrielle Union
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Paramount Podcasts

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Introduction

In this episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, host Jesse Williams delves into the current political landscape, focusing on the Democratic Party's strategies against the Trump administration, the impact of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) bans on Black History Month, and features an insightful interview with actress and producer Gabrielle Union. The episode is a blend of sharp political satire, commentary on social issues, and an engaging celebrity interview, delivering both humor and critical analysis.

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Democrats' Opposition to the Trump Administration

Timestamp [00:58]: Jesse Williams opens the discussion by highlighting the significant changes implemented by Donald Trump and the Republicans since taking office. He compares these changes to Godzilla’s impact on Tokyo, emphasizing their magnitude and disruptive nature. Williams notes the rising liberal opposition and increased public activism against the administration's policies.

Timestamp [01:23]: The conversation shifts to a rally where hundreds of federal employees gathered on Capitol Hill to "save the civil service." Williams humorously questions the efficacy and clarity of the protesters' messaging, underscoring what he perceives as the Democrats' struggle to present a cohesive opposition strategy.

Timestamp [02:00]: Highlighting creative forms of protest, Williams describes a dance protest at the Kennedy Center against the Trump administration's takeover. He sarcastically critiques the effectiveness of such protests, suggesting that Democrats should rely on more traditional political strategies rather than artistic expressions like dance.

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Satirical Take on Democratic Strategies

Timestamp [04:00]: Williams satirizes Democratic messaging by mocking the creation of acronyms, such as "DOGE" standing for the Department of Government Efficiency. He plays on the inefficacy and perceived frivolity of such strategies, suggesting that Democrats are resorting to "clever writing exercises" instead of substantial policy discussions.

Timestamp [07:23]: The episode features a mock confrontation between Donald Trump and Governor Janet Mills of Maine over the administration’s ban on trans athletes. Williams parodies the interaction, highlighting the tension between state and federal authority, and the resistance from Democrats against Trump's policies.

Timestamp [10:07]: In a humorous and absurd twist, Williams and co-host Grace Cooling Schmidt engage in a fictional and inappropriate discussion about tackling Trump through sexual means. This segment serves as a satirical critique of what Williams perceives as the Democrats' lack of effective strategies, juxtaposed with their resorting to outlandish and ineffective methods.

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Impact of DEI Ban on Black History Month

Timestamp [12:23]: Josh Johnson explores how the Trump administration's ban on DEI initiatives has transformed the observance of Black History Month. He interviews individuals attempting to recount significant historical figures without using key terms related to diversity and inclusion, highlighting the restrictive nature of the current administration's policies.

Timestamp [14:30]: The segment touches on societal backlash against DEI and Black History initiatives, emphasizing the challenges faced in celebrating African American history under restrictive policies. Johnson juxtaposes historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks with contemporary cultural references, illustrating the tension between past achievements and present-day censorship.

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Exclusive Interview with Gabrielle Union

Timestamp [15:47]: The episode transitions to an interview with Gabrielle Union, who discusses her latest movie "Riff Raff" alongside her experiences in the entertainment industry. Union shares anecdotes about filming challenges, including dealing with set allergies and maintaining professionalism under pressure.

Timestamp [21:32]: Union delves into her advocacy for deeper equality beyond mere representation. She emphasizes the importance of having a real impact in the industry by fostering environments where everyone's time and contributions are respected. Union recounts a transformative experience on the set of "Deliver Us from Eva," where she realized the significance of valuing every team member equally.

Timestamp [25:03]: Discussing her daughter's activism, Union expresses pride and concern over her daughter's fearless advocacy for queer rights amidst a hostile political climate. She draws parallels between her daughter's resilience and the broader fight for liberation against oppressive forces, highlighting the personal and societal stakes involved.

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Concluding Remarks

Throughout the episode, The Daily Show: Ears Edition employs humor and satire to critique political strategies and societal issues. By blending sharp political commentary with personal narratives from Gabrielle Union, the show offers a multifaceted perspective on contemporary challenges facing the Democratic Party and the broader fight for equality and representation. The episode underscores the tension between creative protest methods and traditional political opposition, all while maintaining an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue.

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Notable Quotes

• Jesse Williams [00:07]: "Democrats can't remember where they put their Riz. America whitewashes Black History Month, and Donald Trump loses a fight to a girl."

• Gabrielle Union [21:50]: "Real equality and real liberation is what benefits all of us, and you have to be committed to that."

• Jesse Williams [10:07]: "There are better ways to stop Trump than an orgy."

• Gabrielle Union [25:30]: "She's a fighter, and so I'm proud. I raised fighters, and I'm happy about that."

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Conclusion

This episode effectively balances humor with critical analysis, providing listeners with both entertainment and insightful commentary on pressing political and social issues. The interview with Gabrielle Union adds a personal touch, grounding the broader discussions in real-world experiences and advocacy.

Transcript

[Desi Lydic]

You're listening to Comedy Central.

[Jesse Williams]

From the.

[Desi Lydic]

Most trusted journalists at Comedy Central. It's America's only source for news. This is the Daily show with your host, Desi Linus.

[Jesse Williams]

Welcome to the Daily Show. I'm Jesse Lydic. We've got so much to talk about tonight. Democrats can't remember where they put their Riz. America whitewashes Black History Month, and Donald Trump loses a fight to a girl. So let's get right into it.

[Desi Lydic]

I'm gonna come.

[Jesse Williams]

Since taking office, Donald Trump and the Republicans have been making a lot of big changes, in the same way that Godzilla made some big changes in Tokyo. But there's also been a liberal opposition growing. Over the past few weeks, people have started taking to the streets and making their voices heard.

[Desi Lydic]

Hundreds of federal employees gathered on Capitol Hill for what they called a rally to save the civil service.

[Jesse Williams]

Which side are you on? Which side are you on? We'll fight against Joj. We'll fight Elon Musk. Which key are we on? Oh, sorry, but that sounded so bad, I had to cleanse my ears with an RFK junior Speech. Were there any protests that aren't just singing?

[Desi Lydic]

There is a unique protest getting underway.

[Jesse Williams]

At the Kennedy Center.

[Desi Lydic]

Two dance companies are staging a dance protest, as they're calling it, against the.

[Jesse Williams]

Trump administration's recent takeover of the Kennedy Center. We have started to see dancers show up here to the Kennedy center doing a dance called the Nelkin Line. It's by a German dancer that is pretty popular. They tell me, is this how white ladies protest? Now I demand to dance for the manager. At least. You know what at least they're getting. And these are regular citizens doing their best. It's not their responsibility to block the Trump agenda. That's on the Democratic Party. They have the talent and experience honed from decades of asking me for money. They'll know. They will know exactly the most effective way to fight Donald Trump.

[Desi Lydic]

We need to change the conversation.

[Jesse Williams]

And that's why I'm launching a new podcast. Cool. California Governor Gavin Newsom is starting a podcast. I can't believe they rebuilt LA that fast. Glad you have the time. I mean, forgive me for not subscribing to the Gavin Newsom Pomade Hour, but I think the moment calls for a little more than polite conversation. Although some Democrats are taking that very literally.

[Desi Lydic]

If you could speak directly to Elon.

[Gabrielle Union]

Musk, what would you say?

[Jesse Williams]

Off.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

[Jesse Williams]

I say Trump. Ooh. Okay. You guys kissed your lobbyists with that mouth. That's Right. The Democratic Strategy, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. Look, I get the spirit behind it, but cursing in politics doesn't exactly age well. The Gettysburg Address wouldn't have been the classic it became if it went four score and a ton years ago. Not to mention, dropping the F bomb isn't really for everyone. I noticed Congresswoman Maxine Dexter had a little bit of trouble.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

I am going to tell you that we do have to.

[Jesse Williams]

I don't swear in public very well, but we have to Trump. Oh, you are right. You don't swear in public very well. There are a thousand ways to say you, and you found literally the only wrong one. I mean, unless she meant we have to Trump sign up sheet next to the stage. Suck him off. Suck him off. But not all Democrats are filling up the swear jar. Some have gone much more highbrow with a little resistance wordplay.

[Desi Lydic]

Every time you hear Doge the Department of Government Efficiency, you just remember it is the Department of Government Evil Doge.

[Josh Johnson]

Which actually stands for Destruction of Government.

[Jesse Williams]

By Elon, just stands for Department of Gutting Education. Dangerous Oligarchs grab everything. All right, okay, I see what you did there. I'm just glad that Maxine Dexter didn't join in. She'd be like, more like the Department of Glory holing Elon. Right? This is what happens when you're the party of liberal arts majors. MAGA stormed the Capitol and Democrats are doing creative writing exercises. But hey, if clever acronyms aren't your thing, Democrats are also pulling out some timely pop culture references.

[Desi Lydic]

We also know, of course, that Elon Musk is sending his unqualified DOGE staff to carry out this agenda across all these agencies, and in some cases, actually teenage staffers. They're trying to rob you, and they're probably a minor. Thank you. And I yield back.

[Jesse Williams]

I'm sorry I became a Republican for a second. Look, I don't know how, but I think this congressman somehow just lost the beef for Kendrick. I do think. I do think, though, that every rap battle should end with thank you, I yield my time. Let's all be fair, okay? Cuz not all of the Democratic messaging has been breaking the cringe O meters. Bernie Sanders has been on an anti oligarchy tour and his town halls have been drawing huge, huge crowds. Remember, he's been warning us about the oligarchy way before Elon Musk was wearing a MAGA hat, so this really feels like his moment. Too bad he'll be 87 years old by the time the next election rolls around. Unless we can give him the substance. I don't know. I'm halfway through that movie. I assume it all works out. I'll tell you one Democrat who took it to Trump face to face, the Governor of Maine, Janet Mills. Last week, Trump held a meeting at the White House where he called her out for refusing to comply with his ban on trans athletes. And once he did that, she made it clear that she wasn't going to comply with any of his bullshit.

[Donald Trump]

The NCAA has complied immediately, by the way. That's good. But I understand Maine. Is Maine here. The governor.

[Jesse Williams]

I'm here.

[Donald Trump]

Are you not going to comply with it?

[Jesse Williams]

I'm with state and federal law.

[Donald Trump]

Well, we are the federal law. Well, you better do it. You better do it, because you're not going to get any federal funding at all if you don't. And by the way, your population, even though it's somewhat liberal, although I did very well there, your population doesn't want men playing in women's sports. So you better comply, because otherwise you're not getting any federal funding. We'll see you in court, every state.

[Jesse Williams]

Good.

[Donald Trump]

I'll see you in court. I look forward to that. That should be a real easy one.

[Josh Johnson]

Yes.

[Jesse Williams]

Andy Cohen will never make a show just as good as what I just watched. That's how you do it. Forget singing, forget dancing. This is how you confront Trump with tipsy ant energy. Define the issues and force the court to pick a side. Which side are you. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Stop that, stop that, stop that. Get it out of here. Stop. For more on the Democratic resistance, let's go to Washington D.C. with our very own Grace. Grace. It seems like the Governor of Maine has the best strategy here for Democrats. Confront Trump and take him to court.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

Agree to disagree, Desi. I think the other lady had the better idea. Democrats need to Donald Trump him real good.

[Jesse Williams]

I don't think that was actually an idea. I think she just accidentally misspoke.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

A lot of great ideas come from accidents. Silly Putty, Super Glue, the Titanic movie.

[Jesse Williams]

Grace. No, this is. This is not a real idea. How is Trump gonna work?

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

Oh, well, a penis will go into the vagina.

[Jesse Williams]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no. I mean, like, how would Democrats do that?

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

Of course. Come on. You know, girl on top, guy on top, reverse cowgirl. The octopus.

[Jesse Williams]

No, no, no, no, no. I know how to do that. Wait, wait. What is the octopus?

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

You need an above ground pool and four people or one person with a lot of arms.

[Jesse Williams]

Okay, forget it. But why would having sex with Trump be a good strategy.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

Think of all this guy's pent up anger, his terrible decision making, his frantic energy. He's got blue balls of the brain. Think of it like a volcano. If you don't jack off the mountain every so often, it'll explode and wipe out an Italian vill. That's science, Desi.

[Jesse Williams]

Grace, that's not how volcanoes or the male body works.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

Yes, it is. But maybe if the Democrats him so good, he'll get that post nut clarity. He'll be like, wait, why am I cutting funding to stop Ebola? And what is Elon doing here? I hate this guy.

[Jesse Williams]

No, Grace, come on. There are better ways to stop Trump than an orgy.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

Okay, I didn't say orgy, but I like it. You're a freak. Look, it's not like anything else has worked. Voting didn't work, indicting him didn't work. They even lost the election after getting an endorsement from America, sweetheart. Liz Cheney. The only option left is to run out the clock four to seven minutes at a time.

[Jesse Williams]

That seems very ambitious.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

Fine, three to five minutes at a time. Face it, Desi, you want Dempsters, they gotta give Trump some action. You want Dems to stop jerking off and get to work, they gotta get to work jerking him off. You want Dems to not blow at their jobs.

[Jesse Williams]

Yeah, no, I get it. I get where you're going. I get it.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

I bet you get it, you sex monster. But if this isn't the strategy, I literally don't know what is.

[Jesse Williams]

Well, they could just embrace a younger generation who can clearly make the case for a pro worker progressive America.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

No, I think you were right. Your group fest idea is the only option.

[Jesse Williams]

No, no, no, no. Great. That wasn't my idea. Forget it. Grace Cooling Schmidt, everybody. When we come back, we have a very MAGA Black History Month to go on. Welcome back to the Daily Show. February is Black History Month, but has the Trump administration changed the way we commemorate it? Josh Johnson hit the streets to find out.

[Josh Johnson]

What up, world? It's Josh Johnson. And it's also Black History Month. Except this year, Trump is back in the White House and any mention of anything diverse, equitable or inclusive, AKA black, is absolutely taboo. So I'm out here to see if we can find some people to help us celebrate the new History Month. I said it. Can you hit me with the story of Martin Luther King Jr. Without saying stuff like or segr is a tough one.

[Jesse Williams]

Okay, so he was a. A leader of the at the time. Ooh, shy away from that One.

[Josh Johnson]

I mean, a is gonna get people asking questions, but tell me the story in a few sentences of Rosa Parks without saying stuff like.

[Jesse Williams]

Woman who.

[Gabrielle Union]

Is tired.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

She was a woman in a time.

[Josh Johnson]

Okay.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

Who needed transportation.

[Josh Johnson]

Yeah.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

And she was unable to take the transportation she deserved in the.

[Gabrielle Union]

Can I say seat? Yeah, you can say seat in the seat she deserves.

[Josh Johnson]

Okay. Can you tell me about Frederick Douglass? Without saying.

[Jesse Williams]

I know. He. He was. It was Tupac who learned the most out of Frederick Douglass. It was inspiration through Frederick Douglass and what he did in his time that informed Tupac to inform himself on the law. Yeah. People didn't know that.

[Josh Johnson]

He hit me with something I'd never thought about before, which is that Frederick Douglass gave us Tupac in a sense, which I did not see coming. Why do you think some people are so against kid tree mom?

[Donald Trump]

Oh, some people are just posterior orifices. I don't understand that concept.

[Jesse Williams]

Yeah.

[Donald Trump]

But I guess they have some issues.

[Desi Lydic]

More therapy required.

[Josh Johnson]

Yeah. Okay.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

So the only thing a person has.

[Jesse Williams]

Going for them is the fact that they're white. Then they're going to cling to that.

[Josh Johnson]

While I agree with everything you said, it's probably one of the worst things you could have hit on. Okay, gonna pull you aside right here for a quick sidebar. Now, are there any meetings that I'm not aware of that we're, like, getting together and going over Malcolm X?

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

You could go to a Lauryn Hill concert, wait for her not to show.

[Jesse Williams]

Up, and then talk to people at that concert.

[Josh Johnson]

Okay. All right. I appreciate you playing.

[Jesse Williams]

Absolutely.

[Josh Johnson]

And you know what? Because you did such a great job, I do have a prize for you.

[Jesse Williams]

Okay.

[Josh Johnson]

You won a Harriet Tubman 20. Oh, something was that I have for both of you.

[Jesse Williams]

Oh, my God.

[Josh Johnson]

A Harriet Tubman 20.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

Thank you.

[Josh Johnson]

Maybe, you know, one day you can use those Tubmans to buy something.

[Jesse Williams]

Beyonce tickets.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

Beyonce tickets?

[Jesse Williams]

Yeah.

[Josh Johnson]

Beyonce tickets would be great. It would take a substantial amount of Tubman's to get Beyonce tickets, but in a better world.

[Jesse Williams]

Thank you, Josh. When we come back, Gabrielle Union will be joining me on the show, so don't go away. Welcome back to the Daily Show. My guest tonight is an actor, producer, and entrepreneur who stars in the new movie Riff Raff. Please welcome Gabrielle Union.

[Gabrielle Union]

Off my go.

[Jesse Williams]

I'm very excited to see you. As am I. Oh, my gosh. So happy you're here.

[Gabrielle Union]

That was awesome. Thank you, guys.

[Jesse Williams]

Yeah, right? They're good.

[Gabrielle Union]

They're proud.

[Jesse Williams]

So happy that you're here. Congratulations on the movie.

[Gabrielle Union]

Thank you.

[Jesse Williams]

It's so Much fun. You're incredible in it. And truth be told, there are a lot of great tips on how to commit crimes in this movie. So many get away with it.

[Gabrielle Union]

So many. Well, not to get away with it, but yeah.

[Jesse Williams]

Almost.

[Grace Cooling Schmidt]

Almost.

[Gabrielle Union]

So close.

[Jesse Williams]

Spoiler alert. The cast is incredible.

[Gabrielle Union]

It's insane.

[Jesse Williams]

You, Bill Murray, Ed Harris, Jennifer Coolidge, who you saw in the clip, Pete Davidson. I mean, Lewis Pullman. Lewis Pullman.

[Gabrielle Union]

I mean, no. And I was a little intimidated initially. I think it was the third person to sign on, it was Jennifer, who's, you know, the star and the icon, who's also the executive producer. And then it was Ed Harris. And they're like, you would be Ed Harris, love interest.

[Jesse Williams]

I said, well.

[Gabrielle Union]

A few. Good. That's all the right stuff. Yeah. Yes, please.

[Jesse Williams]

That's all it took.

[Gabrielle Union]

That's all it really. It really is all it took.

[Jesse Williams]

And I read that you all filmed everything in 22 days.

[Gabrielle Union]

Yes.

[Jesse Williams]

Is that true? And mostly in one location.

[Gabrielle Union]

Yes. The vast majority of the movie was in one location, which was the house that you see in the film, which is a little smaller than it appears.

[Jesse Williams]

Uh huh.

[Gabrielle Union]

Um, so, yeah, we had a lot of challenges. Like Heat.

[Jesse Williams]

Yeah. I mean, if you're gonna be stuck in a house for 22 days with a cast, that's not a bad cast to be stuck in a house.

[Gabrielle Union]

It's not a bad cast.

[Jesse Williams]

Yes.

[Gabrielle Union]

But there, you know, when you bring animals to work, generally most people are like, does anyone have allergies? And that didn't happen.

[Jesse Williams]

And there were animals brought to set.

[Gabrielle Union]

Someone brought their dog right to set. Except one of our cast members, who shall mainly name was Pete. He is terribly allergic to dogs.

[Jesse Williams]

Oh, God.

[Gabrielle Union]

And you know, it starts with a. You know when the.

[Jesse Williams]

Oh, yes.

[Gabrielle Union]

And then we're watching him turn into Hitch, and I was like, oh, no, this is awful. Or like, people, you know, they think that they're, you know, far enough away from where we're filming that they can eat Doritos and. Oh, that's. You are delivering. You're like, and this is my Oscar winning performance. And it's like, crunch, crunch, crunch. We didn't get that. We didn't get that.

[Jesse Williams]

Oh, my God.

[Gabrielle Union]

It's a huge challenge.

[Jesse Williams]

Well, I have to say, the movie's phenomenal and your work is phenomenal in it, so congratulations on that. We have a little something in common. Yes. Your first job ever was interning at a modeling agency. Yes, my first job ever was interning at a modeling agency. No way. Yes. But yours blossomed into an incredibly successful modeling career. Can we show you incredibly successful.

[Gabrielle Union]

I don't. Let's see. Yep.

[Jesse Williams]

Look at that.

[Gabrielle Union]

I mean, Naomi Campbell was clearly shaking in her boots.

[Jesse Williams]

You. Absolutely. Absolutely adorable. And you had a booming modeling career at that time. Sure.

[Gabrielle Union]

That was 1-800-Dentist.

[Jesse Williams]

But it paid well.

[Gabrielle Union]

Did it? I think it was like 120 a day. And I was like, oh, I'm rich. And then you paid 20% and the taxes and the whatnot. And I was like, so I have $6. But you would do those industrials.

[Jesse Williams]

Yes.

[Gabrielle Union]

Where they're like, wear this headset. Right. For 100 and whatever a day. And then later, when I, you know, started, you know, getting a little bigger in Hollywood. Oh, they brought that. They brought it out because it's cheap. Cheap photos. And now I'm the lady in the OnStar, you know, thing when you buy your car and it's like, hello, I'm with onstar, and it's me with the damn headset on.

[Jesse Williams]

Oh, my God.

[Gabrielle Union]

Like, I'm, like, promoting this. But it was just, you know, back when we're broke, you do these. Damn.

[Jesse Williams]

Of course you sign up and you're young and you don't know any better. I don't. I don't want to flex.

[Gabrielle Union]

Okay, flex on me.

[Jesse Williams]

But I, too, had a little bit of a modeling career. Please. Let's see. This many years ago. So. Dpm, do you have a picture? Yeah. Yes. That was.

[Gabrielle Union]

It's the double loop.

[Jesse Williams]

Not everyone would have done the double loop.

[Gabrielle Union]

No, it's the double.

[Jesse Williams]

The double loop.

[Gabrielle Union]

It's the double. It's like the sunglasses. Like, I used to do. Montgomery Awards, all the biggest department stores for their big Memorial Day weekend double spread. And I. Yeah.

[Jesse Williams]

Oh, yeah. You know, the. Oh, just so organic. Yeah. Yeah. My modeling career started and ended with that photo. Hard, basically. Yeah. Same, same, same, same. I am so impressed. You are incredibly outspoken about the deep inequalities that exist in the entertainment industry. What does. What does progress look like to you?

[Gabrielle Union]

I mean, when you move beyond representation? Representation is step one. When there's a billion steps, I don't want a seat at a crappy table. That just means I'm covered in crap. Like, I want real. The power to actually elicit change.

[Jesse Williams]

Right.

[Gabrielle Union]

You know what I mean? And that doesn't come with step one. Like, you have to actually be uncomfortable. So when I, you know, started producing and I. And I was putting together projects, you know, and, you know, when the rubber hits the road, they're like, well, are you Willing to give up money to make sure such and such is paid. I was like, yeah, I am. I am. And you. You have to be willing to do the right thing, even if it makes you uncomfortable or even if it doesn't actively benefit you, because real equality and real liberation is what benefits all of us, and you have to be committed to that.

[Jesse Williams]

I wish more producers were like you. That's what separates from a lot of people, and it's proven to be wildly successful. When you were starting your producing career, you talked about an experience that happened on the set of Deliver Us from Eva. Yeah. That changed the way that you looked at producing from that point forward.

[Gabrielle Union]

Yeah.

[Jesse Williams]

What was that?

[Gabrielle Union]

So we were in the hair and makeup trailer, and it was me and LL Cool J.

[Jesse Williams]

They are familiar.

[Gabrielle Union]

And I. You know, I'm very Scorpio, and I like to. I like to argue, and I like to be right more than anything. And people are like, do you want to be right or do you. Or do you want. You know, do you want love? And I was like, to be right. I feel loved if I'm right. So we were. We were having a little argument back and forth, but the time is ticking, right. And you're thinking, this is the most important thing. Right. End of the day, I've sort of forgotten about the little debate that we were having. And I overhear one of the crew guys say, well, now I'm not gonna make it to my daughter's, you know, event. And you start to realize no one person is bigger than anyone else. It takes every single one of us to make this, and all of our time is important.

[Jesse Williams]

Right.

[Gabrielle Union]

And when you start thinking that your time is more important than someone else's, you've lost the plot. And so I vowed that if I ever, you know, became a producer, that I would make sure that everyone's time was respected and everyone understood that no one person is more important than anyone else.

[Jesse Williams]

Yeah, I love that story. That impacts. And when it's. It starts at the top. You know, when you set the pace, when you're on set, when you're producing something or you're number one on the call sheet, you set the pace for everyone else.

[Gabrielle Union]

No, absolutely. But you have to be willing to, like, you know, there was a gig and studio that shall remain nameless. They didn't want to give this woman who has been nominated for Oscars multiple and executive producer credit, which she deserved. We all worked on this project, and they were like, this is good enough for her. And I said, well, it's not good enough for me. I'll give up mine. I don't have what she has. I'm not bringing the same gravitas to this project. And you have to be able to take a stand. And if that means giving up some of your salary or giving up some of your producer fee or just making sure that people are getting paid or they like the food, that is part of our responsibility. I do believe I am my brother and sister's keeper. We all have to have that mentality.

[Jesse Williams]

I want to talk about your daughter, Zaya, who was honored at the Out100 event last year for her trailblazing in the queer community. What does it feel like as a parent to watch your daughter be so fearless in advocating for rights, especially right now in this moment in time when there's so much oppression, hate, Fill in the blank from this administration?

[Gabrielle Union]

It's scary. And I am in awe constantly of her bravery. But, you know, I'm like, yeah, you know, like, I'm pumped, you know, in the same way that we would cheer for, you know, our son Zaire's first dunk. I was like, get him. The way she stands up for herself and the way she fights just as hard as anyone else whose liberty, whose very existence, whose very humanity is at risk, she puts it all on the line. She is 10 toes down, and she doesn't back up, back off for anybody. It doesn't matter if you hold the highest seat in, you know, in our country or you're Elon Musk or maybe those are interchangeable. She is about not only her liberation, but everyone's liberation. Because when you start to barter with whole communities and you let them in the door, they're in the house. They're coming for everybody. Did no one watch Handmaid's Tale?

[Jesse Williams]

That's right.

[Gabrielle Union]

It's coming. So you have to fight. And she's a fighter, and so I'm proud. I raised fighters, and I'm happy about that.

[Jesse Williams]

Well, she has. She has an excellent example in you to look up to as a mama. So I'm so happy you're on. Congratulations on everything. Thank you for being here.

[Gabrielle Union]

Thank you.

[Jesse Williams]

Thank you. RIP Raffles and theaters.

[Gabrielle Union]

Have a rice.

[Jesse Williams]

Gabrielle Union, everybody. We're going to take a quick break, but we'll be right back after this. That's our show for tonight. Now here it is, your moment of Zen.

[Desi Lydic]

End of the day. Doge is going to help there. Pete Hexeth has welcomed Doge to come into the military. We have to start in the Pentagon. We need to make a trigon three sides instead of five sides in the Pentagon. It is way too big, way over bloated. Explore more shows from the Daily Show Podcast Universe by searching the Daily Show. Wherever you get your podcast, watch the Daily show weeknights at 1110 Central on Comedy Central and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount plus.

[Jesse Williams]

Paramount Podcasts.

[Desi Lydic]

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