Statement from AARP California State Director, Nancy McPherson Re: IMDb vs. Xavier Becerra Order Granting Motion for Preliminary Injunction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 22, 2017

CONTACT: Hilda Marella-Delgado

Communications Director

(626) 429-7072, hdelgado@aarp.org

Pasadena, Calif. — We are disappointed with the court’s ruling, today. This is an early set-back to enjoining California law aimed at preventing age discrimination in the entertainment industry. Age bias is a national problem, and is particularly visible in industries such as advertising and entertainment. In the past decade, we’ve seen progress in Hollywood’s representation of people over 50 on screen, but there is still much work to be done on behalf of older workers—in front of and behind the camera.

AARP believes that job seekers should be evaluated on their skills and abilities, not their age. The public has a strong interest in vigorous enforcement of antidiscrimination statutes. We continue to hope that the court will ultimately support this important law that can help prevent age discrimination in the hiring process.

A copy of AARP and AARP Foundation’s amicus brief can be found here: http://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/aarp_foundation/litigation/pdf-beg-02-01-2016/IMDb-com-v-Becerra.pdf

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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @aarp our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.