Disciplinary Actions by WGAW: Park Chan-wook, Don McKellar, and Anthony Cipriano Expelled and Suspended for Strike Violations
Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar, the creators and writers of HBO's The Sympathizer, have been expelled from the WGA West for working on the series during the 2023 strikes. Anthony Cipriano has also been suspended until May 1, 2026, for his involvement in writing The Last Breath. The WGAW disclosed that three other members were disciplined for strike violations during the 2023 MBA strike, and they did not contest the decisions.
A total of seven members faced disciplinary action for breaking strike rules, with four of them appealing the guild's decisions in April 2025. The remaining three members, Park, McKellar, and Cipriano, did not appeal and were consequently named by the WGAW for their violations.
In light of the recent disciplinary actions taken by the WGAW, it is evident that the guild is committed to upholding strike rules and ensuring that members adhere to industry standards. The consequences faced by Park, McKellar, and Cipriano serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting strike guidelines and the consequences of violating them.