AN OPEN LETTER

Artists Call for Gov. Newsom
to Sign SB 1047

• READ THE LETTER

THE LETTER

Dear Governor Newsom,

As you well know, some of the most lucrative and powerful companies in the world are currently racing to dominate the enormous business opportunity known as AI. Many of those companies are based in your home state of California.Last week, you signed two bills into law that will help protect the rights and livelihoods of artists from various unethical uses of AI by those big tech companies. We are genuinely grateful for that.But right now, there’s another bill urgently awaiting your signature that would regulate AI: Senator Wiener’s SB 1047. This bill is not about protecting artists — it’s about protecting everyone.Grave threats from AI used to be the stuff of science fiction, but not anymore. Even though the billionaire opponents of SB 1047 dismiss these concerns as fantastical, many of the industry’s leading engineers, academics and policymakers warn otherwise. In a recent open letter in support of SB 1047, over a hundred current and former employees of OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Anthropic, Meta, and xAI said:"We believe that the most powerful AI models may soon pose severe risks, such as expanded access to biological weapons and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. It is feasible and appropriate for frontier AI companies to test whether the most powerful AI models can cause severe harms, and for these companies to implement reasonable safeguards against such risks.”SB 1047 would implement the safeguards these industry insiders are asking for. The bill passed with overwhelming majorities in the California State Senate and Assembly. Polling shows 77% of Californians approve of the bill. Why would the Governor not sign it into law?Governor Newsom, most of us are residents of California. We are your supporters. We voted for you. We want to continue to believe that you are a leader who will stand up for everyone’s wellbeing, not just for a few Silicon Valley giants.We fully believe in the dazzling potential of AI to be used for good. But we must also be realistic about the risks. Now is our moment, Governor, for California to set that practical and positive example for all of the United States, as well as the rest of the world.

• SIGNED BY

Sincerely,

JJ Abrams
Acclaimed director and writer known for "Star Wars," "Star Trek," and TV's "Lost."Patrick Adams
Actor recognized for "Suits," "Orphan Black," and "Rosemary's Baby."Sam Adegoke
Actor known for "Dynasty," "Murder in the First," and "Switched at Birth."Mahershala Ali
Actor from "Moonlight," "Green Book," and "True Detective."Laz Alonso
Actor featured in "Avatar," "The Boys," and "Fast & Furious."Mädchen Amick
Actress known for "Twin Peaks," "Riverdale," and "Witches of East End."Nick Antosca
Writer and creator of "Channel Zero," "The Act," and "Candy."Judd Apatow
Filmmaker behind "Knocked Up," "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," and HBO's "Girls."Sebastian Arcelus
Actor from "House of Cards," "Madam Secretary," and Broadway's "Wicked."Kii Arens
Visual artist and designer known for pop art and concert posters.Tom Arnold
Actor and comedian from "True Lies," "Roseanne," and "Sons of Anarchy."Rosanna Arquette
Actress featured in "Desperately Seeking Susan," "Pulp Fiction," and "The L Word."Annaleigh Ashford
Actress known for "Kinky Boots," "Masters of Sex," and "B Positive."Sean Astin
Actor from "The Lord of the Rings," "Stranger Things," and "The Goonies."David August
Electronic music producer and DJ known for innovative live performances.Diedrich Bader
Actor in "Office Space," "The Drew Carey Show," and voice of Batman.Barbara Bain
Actress famous for "Mission: Impossible," "Space: 1999," and "Ben Casey."Alec Baldwin
Actor known for "30 Rock," "Beetlejuice," and "Saturday Night Live."Jennifer Beals
Actress from "Flashdance," "The L Word," and "Swamp Thing."Ed Begley Jr.
Actor and environmentalist from "St. Elsewhere," "Better Call Saul," and "Ghostbusters."W. Kamau Bell
Comedian and host of "United Shades of America" and "Totally Biased."Troian Bellisario
Actress known for "Pretty Little Liars," "Feed," and "Where'd You Go, Bernadette."Corbin Bernsen
Actor from "L.A. Law," "Psych," and "Major League."Paul Bettany
Actor in "Avengers," "WandaVision," and "A Beautiful Mind."Aloe Blacc
Singer-songwriter of "The Man," "I Need a Dollar," and "Wake Me Up."Ashley Nicole Black
Writer and comedian from "Full Frontal" and "A Black Lady Sketch Show."Stephanie J. Block
Actress from "The Cher Show," "Wicked," and "Falsettos."Chaz Bono
Actor and activist known for "American Horror Story."Connie Britton
Actress featured in "Friday Night Lights," "Nashville," and "White Lotus."Yvette Nicole Brown
Actress from "Community," "Drake & Josh," and "The Odd Couple."Sophia Bush
Actress known for "One Tree Hill," "Chicago P.D.," and "Incredibles 2."Norbert Leo Butz
Actor know for "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," "Catch Me If You Can," and "My Fair Lady."The Callous Daoboys
Mathcore band known for "Die On Mars" and "Celebrity Therapist."Kay Cannon
Writer and director known for "Pitch Perfect," "Blockers," and "Cinderella".Kelly Carlin
Author, performer, and host of the "Waking from the American Dream" podcast.Gabrielle Carteris
Actress from "Beverly Hills, 90210" and former SAG-AFTRA president.Max Carver
Actor known for "Teen Wolf," "Desperate Housewives," and "The Leftovers."Jessica Chastain
Actress featured in "Zero Dark Thirty," "The Help," and "The Eyes of Tammy Faye."Don Cheadle
Actor from "Hotel Rwanda," "Avengers," and "House of Lies."Desmond Child
Songwriter behind hits for Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, and Ricky Martin.Laura Chinn
Writer and actress known for "Florida Girls" and "The Mick."Tom Colicchio
Chef and TV personality from "Top Chef" and owner of Crafted Hospitality.Misha Collins
Actor known for "Supernatural," "Roadfood," and "Timeless."Adam Conover
Comedian and host of "Adam Ruins Everything" and "The G Word."Matthew Cooke
Filmmaker of "How to Make Money Selling Drugs" and "Survivors Guide to Prison."Duncan Crabtree-Ireland
SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and chief negotiator.Marcia Cross
Actress from "Desperate Housewives," "Melrose Place," and "Quantico."Jon Cryer
Actor known for "Two and a Half Men," "Pretty in Pink," and "Supergirl."Monique Gabriela Curnen
Actress featured in "The Dark Knight," "Power," and "Sons of Anarchy."Robert Davi
Actor from "Die Hard," "License to Kill," and "The Goonies."Lou Diamond Phillips
Actor known for "La Bamba," "Young Guns," and "Longmire."DIIV
Indie rock band known for albums "Oshin" and "Frog In Boiling Water."Garret Dillahunt
Actor from "Deadwood," "Raising Hope," and "Fear the Walking Dead."Fran Drescher
Actress from "The Nanny," "Happily Divorced," and SAG-AFTRA president.Ava DuVernay
Filmmaker known for "Selma," "13th," and "When They See Us."Hannah Einbinder
Comedian and actress known for "Hacks."Keith Ewell
Actor featured in "The Umbrella Academy," "American Gods," and "Titans."Frances Fisher
Actress from "Titanic," "Unforgiven," and "Watchmen."Joely Fisher
Secretary-Treasurer of SAG AFTRA; actress known for "Ellen," "'Til Death," and "Last Man Standing."Jane Fonda
Actress and activist from "Klute," "Grace and Frankie," and "Coming Home."Brad Garrett
Actor and comedian known for "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Ratatouille," and "Single Parents."Jason George
Actor from "Grey's Anatomy," "Station 19," and "Sunset Beach."Tony Goldwyn
Actor and director known for "Scandal," "Ghost," and "King Richard."José González
Singer-songwriter known for "Heartbeats," "Crosses," and "Stay Alive."Leopoldo Gout
Producer, director, and author known for "Molly's Game" and "Zoo."Clark Gregg
Actor recognized for “The Avengers,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” and “The New Adventures of Old Christine.”Grimes
Singer and songwriter known for albums "Art Angels," "Miss Anthropocene," and "Visions."Mark Hamill
Actor known for "Star Wars" and voice of the Joker in "Batman: The Animated Series."Mariska Hargitay
Actress known for "Law & Order: SVU," "ER," and "Lake Placid."Jeremy O. Harris
Playwright of "Slave Play" and writer on "Euphoria."Rob Huebel
Actor and comedian from "Children's Hospital," "Transparent," and "I Love You, Man."Akilah Hughes
Comedian and writer from "Rebel Spirit" & "What a Day" podcasts, and "Akilah, Obviously!"Michelle Hurd
Actress known for "Star Trek: Picard," "Blindspot," and "Daredevil."Allison Janney
Actress from "The West Wing," "I, Tonya," and "Mom."David Jolliffe
Actor and union leader known for "Room 222" and SAG-AFTRA activism.Jaime King
Actress and model from "Hart of Dixie," "Sin City," and "Black Summer."Boris Kodjoe
Actor known for "Soul Food," "Station 19," and "Brown Sugar."Nomiki Konst
Political commentator and activist."Alice Kremelberg
Actress featured in "Orange Is the New Black," "Trial of the Chicago 7," and "Murder in the First."Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Actor known for "Inception," "500 Days of Summer," and "Looper."Jodi Long
Actress from "Sullivan & Son," "Dash & Lily," and "Patriot."Sean Maguire
Actor known for "Once Upon a Time," "The Magicians," and "EastEnders."Karen Maine
Filmmaker of "Yes, God, Yes" and co-creator of "Obvious Child."A Martinez
Actor featured in "Santa Barbara," "Longmire," and "Days of Our Lives."Jenny McCarthy
Actress and host from "The View," "Singled Out," and "The Masked Singer."Seven McDonald
Musician and actor known for various indie projects.Mary McDonnell
Actress from "Battlestar Galactica," "Major Crimes," and "Dances with Wolves."Rose McIver
Actress from "Ghosts" and "iZombie."Adam McKay
Filmmaker behind "The Big Short," "Don't Look Up," and "Anchorman."Alyssa Milano
Actress and activist known for "Chicago," "Charmed," "Who's the Boss?," and "Insatiable."Janelle Monáe
Acclaimed singer and actress known for "Hidden Figures," and "Moonlight,"Lizza Monet Morales
Actress and digital influencer known for "Kiki Mobile" and social media content.Rob Morrow
Actor featured in "Northern Exposure," "Numb3rs," and "Quiz Show."Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Actor known for "The Bear," "Girls," and "The Punisher."Ekwa Msangi
Director and writer known for "Farewell Amor."Zachary Mykula
Drummer for the punk band PUP.Rosie O'Donnell
Actress and comedian from "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," "A League of Their Own," and "SMILF."Cheri Oteri
Actress and comedian known for "Saturday Night Live" and "Scary Movie."Lana Parrilla
Actress known for "Once Upon a Time" and "Atlas."Pedro Pascal
Actor known for "The Mandalorian," "Game of Thrones," and "The Last of Us."Erik Passoja
Actor and voice artist from "American Crime Story" and "NCIS."Kal Penn
Actor and former White House staffer known for "Harold & Kumar," "House," and "Designated Survivor."Piper Perabo
Actress from "Coyote Ugly," "Covert Affairs," and "Cheaper by the Dozen."Ron Perlman
Actor known for "Hellboy," "Sons of Anarchy," and "Beauty and the Beast."PUP
Punk rock band known for "Morbid Stuff" and "The Dream Is Over."Sheryl Lee Ralph
Actress and singer from "Dreamgirls," "Moesha," and "Abbott Elementary."Alysia Reiner
Actress known for "Orange Is the New Black," "Better Things," and "Equity."Judy Reyes
Actress from "Scrubs," "Devious Maids," and "Claws."Shonda Rhimes
Creator of "Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal," and "Bridgerton."Krysten Ritter
Actress known for "Jessica Jones" and "Breaking Bad."Elisabeth Röhm
Actress featured in "Law & Order," "American Hustle," and "Joy."Kelly Rowland
Singer and actress, member of Destiny's Child and solo artist.Mark Ruffalo
Actor and activist from "Avengers," "Spotlight," and "Foxcatcher."Jeri Ryan
Actress known for "Star Trek: Voyager," "Boston Public," and "Leverage."Kendrick Sampson
Actor and activist featured in "Insecure," "How to Get Away with Murder," and "Miss Juneteenth."Paul Scheer
Actor and comedian known for "The League," "Black Monday," and "Human Giant."Amy Smart
Actress known for "The Butterfly Effect," "Just Friends," and "Varsity Blues."Jean Smart
Actress from "Hacks," "Mare of Easttown," and "Designing Women."Storefront Church
Alternative music project by artist Lukas Frank.Stray From The Path
Hardcore punk band known for "Euthanasia" and "Internal Atomics."Tara Strong
Voice actress from "The Powerpuff Girls," "Teen Titans," "The Fairly OddParents," "Ben 10," and "Rugrats."Michael Sucsy
Director of "The Vow," "Grey Gardens," and "Every Day."Scottie Thompson
Actress known for “NCIS,” “12 Monkeys,” and “The Blacklist.”Marisa Tomei
Actress known for "My Cousin Vinny," "Spider-Man" films, and "The Wrestler."Elizabeth Tulloch
Actress from "Superman & Lois," "Grimm," and "Parkland."Lisa Vidal
Actress featured in "Being Mary Jane," "The Division," and "Third Watch."Bruce Vilanch
Comedy writer and actor known for "Hollywood Squares" and awards shows.Lisa Ann Walter
Actress from "Abbott Elementary," "The Parent Trap," and "Bruce Almighty."Lesley Ann Warren
Actress known for "Victor/Victoria," "Clue," and "Desperate Housewives."Diane Warren
Songwriter of hits like "Because You Loved Me" and "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing."Alex Winter
Actor and director known for "Bill & Ted," "The Lost Boys," and "Zappa."Alfre Woodard
Actress known for "12 Years a Slave," "Luke Cage," and "Desperate Housewives."Shailene Woodley
Actress known for "The Fault in Our Stars," "Divergent," and "Big Little Lies."Ramy Youssef
Comedian and actor from "Ramy" and "Poor Things."Amy Ziering
Documentary filmmaker of "The Hunting Ground" and "The Invisible War."