This 1952 photo shows Billie Wilkerson with his son, Willie. The son of Hollywood Reporter founder Billy Wilkerson, W.R. Wilkerson III, is apologizing for his father's and the trade paper's role in the 1947 Hollywood Blacklist that destroyed the careers of writers, actors and directors accused of having Communist ties. He offers his “sincerest apologies and deepest regrets to those who were victimized by this unfortunate incident.” (AP Photo/Wilkerson Archives, Alex Paal)
November 19, 2012 - 2:14 PM
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The son of The Hollywood Reporter founder Billy Wilkerson is apologizing for his father's and the trade paper's role in the 1947 Hollywood Blacklist that destroyed the careers of writers, actors and directors accused of having communist ties.
In an article published by The Hollywood Reporter on Monday, Willie Wilkerson calls the Blacklist era "Hollywood's Holocaust" and says that on the eve of "this dark 65th anniversary, I feel an apology is necessary."
He says his father supported the Blacklist to exact revenge against the Hollywood titans he felt denied him entry to their club when he wanted to establish a movie studio in the late 1920s.
Willie Wilkerson says that on behalf of his family and "particularly" his late father, he offers his "sincerest apologies and deepest regrets to those who were victimized by this unfortunate incident."
News from © The Associated Press, 2012