‘The Industry is Dying’: David Spade Blasts Newsom and Bass Over ‘Terrifying’ Hollywood Decline

Comedian and actor David Spade has joined the growing chorus of high-profile voices criticizing California’s political leadership, labeling the current state of Hollywood as “terrifying” and blaming Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for the industry’s perceived downfall.

A Blunt Assessment of the “Golden State”

In a recent episode of his popular podcast, Fly on the Wall, which he co-hosts with fellow SNL alum Dana Carvey, Spade did not hold back his frustrations. Known for his trademark dry wit, the comedian took a somber turn as he discussed the shifting landscape of Los Angeles and the entertainment industry at large.

Spade argued that the combination of rising crime, a visible homelessness crisis, and an increasingly difficult business environment has created a “perfect storm” that is driving production and talent away from the historic heart of cinema.

Direct Hits on Newsom and Bass

Spade specifically called out California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, suggesting that their policies have failed to protect the city’s most famous export. “The Hollywood industry is dying,” Spade stated during the broadcast. “It’s terrifying to watch because it feels like no one in charge actually cares about the reality on the ground.”

The Joe Dirt star pointed to the exodus of major film and television productions to states like Georgia and Texas, citing lower taxes and better safety as primary motivators. “You walk down the street and it’s not the Hollywood people imagine anymore,” Spade remarked. “It’s a ghost town of what it used to be, and the people at the top—Newsom, Bass—they just keep talking while the ship sinks.”

The Growing “Exodus” Trend

Spade’s comments echo sentiments shared by other celebrities and tech moguls who have left California in recent years. While Hollywood has faced numerous challenges—including the aftermath of recent strikes and the shift to streaming—Spade insists that the local and state government’s inability to manage urban decay is the final nail in the coffin.

Industry analysts note that while California still offers significant tax credits for film production, the high cost of living and safety concerns for crews have made other regions more attractive. Spade highlighted that the “magic” of Hollywood is being replaced by a sense of unease that affects both residents and tourists.

Political Fallout and Public Response

While Mayor Bass has made the “Inside Safe” initiative a cornerstone of her administration to combat homelessness, and Governor Newsom continues to defend California as the “world’s fourth-largest economy,” critics like Spade argue that the statistics don’t match the lived experience in the streets of Tinseltown.

The offices of Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass have not yet issued formal responses to Spade’s specific comments. However, the comedian’s critique has already gone viral, sparking a heated debate on social media regarding the future of the entertainment capital.

Conclusion

As David Spade continues to voice his concerns, his platform serves as a megaphone for those within the industry who feel abandoned by current leadership. Whether his “terrifying” forecast for Hollywood serves as a wake-up call for Sacramento and City Hall remains to be seen, but for now, one of comedy’s most recognizable faces is making it clear: he isn’t laughing at the state of California.