Kerry Washington and ‘Scandal’ Cast Reunite in Michigan to Advocate for Reproductive Rights
In a powerful display of solidarity, the cast of Scandal reunited in Michigan to support the Harris-Walz campaign and their fight for reproductive rights. The event, part of the Fighting for Reproductive Freedom Bus Tour, saw actress and activist Kerry Washington, along with her former castmates, standing up for women’s reproductive freedom at a crucial time in America’s political landscape.
The Scandal Cast Takes Action
The reunion took place in Madison Heights, Michigan, where the Scandal cast members, including Tony Goldwyn, Guillermo Díaz, Bellamy Young, Katie Lowes, and others, gathered to support the reproductive rights movement. This gathering marks five years since the show’s end in 2018 but highlights how the cast continues to use their platform for activism and public awareness.
The Reproductive Freedom Bus Tour: Fighting for Women’s Rights
Launched by the Harris-Walz campaign, the Fighting for Reproductive Freedom Bus Tour is a national effort to rally support for reproductive rights, particularly in states where access to these rights has been under attack. Beginning in Palm Beach, Florida on September 3, the bus tour has visited key states, targeting diverse communities with a strong message of protecting reproductive rights ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election.
As part of the tour, the Scandal cast joined the campaign in Michigan, showing their unwavering support for Vice President Kamala Harris and her commitment to defending reproductive health care.
Kerry Washington’s Powerful Speech
Kerry Washington, renowned for playing Olivia Pope on Scandal, delivered a compelling speech during the event. Quoting her famous character, she urged the audience of around 130 people to take action, reminding them that “Michigan is where it’s at” when it comes to safeguarding reproductive rights.
Borrowing from the language of her Scandal character, she spoke about the need to “fix stuff” and “handle it,” emphasizing that the real gladiators were the people in the crowd fighting for their rights. Washington’s message was clear: the battle for reproductive freedom must be fought and won at the grassroots level, with Michiganders leading the charge.
The Cast Stands United for Reproductive Rights
Tony Goldwyn, who played Republican President Fitzgerald “Fitz” Grant on Scandal, also took the stage, addressing the audience in a heartfelt manner. He expressed his frustration with the current state of reproductive rights, particularly how women in America today have fewer rights than previous generations.
He said, “I’m here as the husband of a woman who fought her entire life for equality and for equal footing with the men in her life, particularly the men in her workplace. I’m standing here today as an American man who is outraged by the fact that one third of American women of reproductive age live under a Trump abortion ban.”
Goldwyn’s words resonated deeply, as he acknowledged how personal the issue of reproductive rights is to him and his family. As the father of two daughters, he shared his concerns about their future in a country where women’s rights are being stripped away. The Scandal cast’s involvement wasn’t just a show of support; it was a call to action for voters to choose leaders who will defend women’s rights.
A Legacy of Advocacy: Scandal’s Connection to Reproductive Rights
The Scandal cast’s participation in the event is especially poignant given the show’s history of addressing reproductive rights. In 2015, Scandal aired a groundbreaking episode that featured Olivia Pope undergoing an abortion. This moment marked a significant shift in how television dramas depicted reproductive health care, helping to normalize conversations about women’s autonomy over their bodies.
During her speech, Washington reminded the audience of that iconic episode, pointing out how Scandal was ahead of its time in addressing issues like Planned Parenthood funding and abortion rights. The show, and its cast, have long been advocates for reproductive freedom—making their appearance in Michigan a full-circle moment.
Continuing the Fight: What’s Next for the Bus Tour?
The Fighting for Reproductive Freedom Bus Tour will continue across key battleground states as the 2024 election approaches. The goal of the tour is to raise awareness and mobilize voters to protect reproductive health care access.
Severance star Adam Scott is expected to make an appearance in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as the tour continues. He will address supporters and volunteers on the University of Michigan campus, further amplifying the importance of voter turnout in protecting reproductive rights.
Hollywood’s Support for Reproductive Rights
The Scandal reunion is the latest example of Hollywood rallying behind the Harris-Walz campaign and its pro-reproductive rights platform. The cast of HBO’s Veep will also reunite for a virtual table read on September 29, showcasing the continued support from the entertainment industry for women’s reproductive freedom.
This unified effort from the entertainment industry and political leaders comes at a crucial time. As more states pass restrictive abortion laws and federal courts continue to challenge reproductive rights, these high-profile figures are using their platforms to encourage activism and voter engagement.
The Importance of Voting in 2024
Washington ended her speech by driving home the importance of the 2024 election. She warned that voters have a choice: to re-elect a candidate like Kamala Harris, who will defend reproductive rights, or to return to the dark days of previous administrations that have worked to dismantle those very rights.
Her impassioned plea, coupled with the support of her Scandal co-stars, aims to galvanize voters ahead of 2024. As the bus tour continues, it will undoubtedly inspire more Americans to join the fight for reproductive rights.
