Shonda Rhimes Warns Hollywood Self-Censors Following Trump Settlements

Shonda Rhimes, creator of Grey's Anatomy and Bridgerton, has expressed concerns about self-censorship in Hollywood amid President Donald Trump's second term, suggesting that creatives and executives may be altering their storytelling to avoid conflict with the administration. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Rhimes referenced recent settlements between Trump and major studios like Paramount and Disney without commenting directly on those cases but emphasized a palpable shift in the industry's climate. Despite these challenges, Rhimes affirmed her own creative freedom, stating she still has the power to make the shows that matter to her. She also discussed her resignation from the Kennedy Center's board after Trump appointed himself chairman, noting that the board no longer felt like the same institution she originally joined. Additionally, Rhimes has distanced herself from Twitter since Elon Musk's takeover, choosing to ignore online negativity surrounding her work. Her remarks reflect broader tensions in the entertainment industry regarding political influence and artistic expression under the current administration.