“Why Would They Say That?” — Dermot Mulroney Stuns ‘The View’ By Walking Off Set in Support of Striking Writers
Actor Dermot Mulroney left viewers speechless after he made an unexpected move during a taping of The View — walking off set mid-interview in a powerful show of solidarity with striking Hollywood writers.
“Why would they say that?” Mulroney was overheard saying off-camera, after thanking the hosts and quietly excusing himself.
This dramatic moment, which originally aired in June 2023, has resurfaced in light of ongoing conversations surrounding fair labor practices in the entertainment industry. And even months later, his act of protest continues to resonate.
A Symbolic Exit on a Massive Stage
Mulroney, known for his roles in both drama and romantic comedies, appeared on The View to promote his Marvel series Secret Invasion on Disney+. But the conversation took an unexpected turn when, just before the commercial break, he calmly and respectfully walked off the set — catching everyone by surprise.
Though polite and composed, the gesture was deeply symbolic. Mulroney used one of daytime television’s most-watched platforms to amplify the voices of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), which was more than 50 days into its strike at the time.
Why Mulroney Walked
During the interview, Mulroney touched on lighter topics — his long-spanning Hollywood career, work ethic, family life, and latest acting projects. But as the segment neared its end, he took a stand, quietly asking if a break was coming up. He then expressed gratitude to the hosts and left the set.
While the moment was brief, it was powerful.
“It was important to me to make that gesture in solidarity,” Mulroney later explained.
Even though the episode was pre-recorded, ABC aired it in full — including the unedited moment of his departure. That choice underscored the significance of his message and drew praise from many across the industry.
Shining a Spotlight on the WGA Strike
The Writers Guild of America strike had brought much of Hollywood to a halt, with countless productions paused and writers demanding better pay, fair contracts, and improved working conditions. Mulroney’s move served as a visible reminder of the ongoing standoff between writers and the studios.
His choice to walk off during a promotional interview — especially on a network owned by Disney, the same company behind Secret Invasion — gave his action even more weight. It was a bold critique from within the system.
Just days earlier, hundreds of Hollywood union members had gathered in Los Angeles to rally for the writers, and Mulroney’s gesture helped further amplify their message.
The View’s Unscripted Nature Helped Air the Moment
The View managed to continue airing during the strike, in part because most of its production team is not union-affiliated. While a few of its writers were off the job, the show relies heavily on real-time, unscripted conversations between the hosts — which helped it avoid major disruptions.
That unscripted nature may have made it easier for Mulroney’s exit to remain in the final cut, untouched. And viewers noticed.
“It felt real. It wasn’t just a soundbite — it was a moment,” one fan commented online.
Fans and Industry Figures React
Following the episode, social media lit up with reactions to Mulroney’s walk-off. Many praised his respectful but firm demonstration of support for the WGA.
Some described it as “classy activism,” while others noted how rare it is for actors to speak out so directly while promoting work tied to the very companies involved in the dispute.
“Dermot just earned a lifetime fan,” a viewer tweeted. “That’s how you use your platform.”
A Statement That Still Echoes
Months later, the impact of Dermot Mulroney’s action is still being discussed. As the entertainment world continues to grapple with labor tensions and changing expectations around compensation and creative rights, his walk-off remains one of the more high-profile moments of solidarity during the 2023 WGA strike.
His choice to put principle before promotion reminded many in Hollywood — and the viewers watching from home — that even small acts of protest can make a big statement.
Conclusion: More Than a Promotion — A Powerful Message
What began as a routine television appearance to promote a Marvel series became a poignant reminder of the power of individual action. Dermot Mulroney didn’t yell or grandstand — he quietly stepped away, letting his absence speak volumes.
In doing so, he not only stood by the writers whose words make Hollywood’s stories possible — he sparked an industry-wide conversation that is still ongoing.
And for that, many believe Dermot Mulroney’s walk-off will be remembered long after the strike is resolved.