Dustin Lance Black has announced his choice in the Los Angeles mayoral race, saying he will vote for Karen Bass over Nithya Raman. The 52-year-old filmmaker won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2009 for Milk.
Black addressed the race in a video shared on social media. He said one candidate attended an event as promised while the other did not, leading him to support Bass for mayor.
The New York Post reported that Black had been scheduled to host a fundraiser called “A Reception with Nithya Raman,” but Raman did not attend. In an Instagram comment, Black said Raman had personally contacted him to organize the event and alleged that her staff later gave misleading explanations for her absence without advance notice.
Black added that conversations with other former Raman supporters led him to believe the incident reflected a broader pattern. He said he had previously supported Raman but now considered her unreliable as a politician.
His comments came in response to actor Paul Scheer, who criticized Raman’s approach to the entertainment industry during the strikes and said he did not view her as a dependable ally for Hollywood.
Explaining his support for Bass, Black also referred to Los Angeles’ ability to host the Olympics. He said a city organizing world-class Games needs strong relationships, an understanding of the city and leaders who show up. Black is married to Olympic diver Tom Daley, and they have two sons.
Sources: Just Jared.