AP source: Harris postpones MTV event over writers' strike

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Hollywood writers’ strike that hit the television and film industries has now crippled the White House schedule.

An MTV special on mental health that Vice President Kamala Harris was expected to present next week has been postponed, according to her office.

A person familiar with the decision said Harris chose not to travel to the Los Angeles-area event because it would be seen as crossing the picket line. It’s a political non-starter for Democrats who count on the support of the union.

The person was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity about MTV’s decision to postpone the Mental Health Action Day conversation.

President Joe Biden called for a “fair deal” for writers at a White House film screening this week.

“Nights like this are a reminder of the stories and the importance of treating storytellers with dignity, respect and value,” Biden said. “I sincerely hope that the writers’ strike in Hollywood is resolved and writers are given a fair deal as soon as possible.”