During a recent appearance on The View, actress and director Eva Longoria passionately defended the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), framing it not just as a moral necessity, but also as a smart move for modern businesses. As many industries reconsider or reduce DEI initiatives, Longoria stood firm on their relevance, emphasizing that inclusive practices are essential for reflecting today’s richly diverse audiences. Her production company continues to prioritize these values, despite broader political and cultural resistance.
When asked about the rollback of DEI efforts under the current political climate, Longoria highlighted the historical need for such initiatives. She pointed out that DEI was originally designed to address widespread exclusion—not just for ethnic minorities like Latinos and Black communities, but also for women, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ voices. She stressed the importance of allowing those who have lived these varied experiences to share their stories authentically, arguing that true representation goes beyond checking boxes and into the heart of storytelling.
Longoria challenged the notion that abandoning DEI makes business sense. On the contrary, she argued that ignoring diverse voices and stories is a shortsighted strategy in an era where global audiences are more varied than ever. “We’re producing content for the most diverse audience in human history,” she stated, explaining that storytelling grounded in authenticity isn’t just ethical—it resonates more deeply and broadens reach. As a businesswoman, she sees inclusive content as a clear advantage in a competitive entertainment market.
The conversation also touched on the creative freedom and resolve of underrepresented creators. Whoopi Goldberg, one of the show’s co-hosts, supported Longoria’s stance by affirming that despite pushback, marginalized voices in the film and TV industry are not backing down. They will continue to create meaningful stories that reflect their realities and aspirations, regardless of mainstream resistance. For them, storytelling isn’t just art—it’s empowerment.
While Longoria champions DEI, some high-profile entertainment ventures promoting inclusivity have faced criticism and financial setbacks. For example, Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White has underperformed at the box office. Several reasons have been suggested, from casting choices to public backlash over political statements by lead actress Rachel Zegler. However, Longoria’s argument stands apart: she focuses less on the commercial pitfalls of individual projects and more on the long-term value of inclusive storytelling in a rapidly evolving media landscape.