Arrow star Stephen Amell clarifies anti-SAG-AFTRA strike statements after backlash

Last Updated on August 3, 2023

Update

After eliciting confusion about his solidarity with those involved with the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, Arrow and Heels star Stephen Amell wants to clarify his comments. Amell released a lengthy Instagram post to clear up confusion about his position on the matter. In the post, Amell says he stands with his fellow actors who’ve joined the picket lines. He continues to sort through his previous statements piece by piece, explaining every word.

“I’m an actor and I was speaking extemporaneously for over an hour,” Amell wrote in the comments section of his post. “I emote, but I certainly don’t think these issues are simple. Our leadership has an incredibly complicated job and I am grateful for all that they do. Despite some of my terrible early acting work, I assure you, I’m not a robot. From an intellectual perspective, I understand why we are striking, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t emotionally frustrating on many levels for all involved.”

Context is essential in any amount of discourse. Understandably, fans could have misconstrued Amell’s comments. However, his early statements angered a sizable portion of his peer group, with several actors publically calling him out shortly after the video of his Galaxycon Q&A went viral.

You can read Amell’s Instagram post below. If you’re interested in his perspective, read the comments section, where he explains his position in greater detail.

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A post shared by Stephen Amell (@stephenamell)

Original Article

Since it launched a little under three weeks ago, the SAG-AFTRA strike has caught attention in both good and bad ways. And while there has been plenty of negativity between the union and the AMPTP, it’s far more surprising to see those within the union turning against each other. While some of this pertains to the unique exemptions that allow members to work under certain conditions – Sarah Silverman has openly blasted “scabs” who are doing indie projects – some also relates to actors who straight up don’t support the idea of striking. That’s the case with Arrow actor Stephen Amell, who has faced some slack for saying he supports his union but not the strike itself.

While at GalaxyCon in Raleigh, North Carolina over the weekend, Stephen Amell voiced his opinion on the strike, saying, “I feel like I’m insulated in Hollywood because that’s where I live. I feel like a lot of people in this room aren’t aware of the strike…I support my union, I do, and I stand with them but I do not support striking. I don’t.” He added, “I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic, and I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating. I think that the thinking as it pertains to shows — like this show that I’m on that premiered last night — I think it is myopic, and I stand with my union.”

Of course, before SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher can give him a good talking to, the internet immediately jumped on Stephen Amell for his take, saying if he doesn’t support the strike then he must not support the union. One should note that Amell’s comments come just as the second season of his Starz show Heels premieres, meaning he’s in a position where he can’t promote it as much as he’d like.

In Heels, Stephen Amell plays “heel” (pro wrestling lingo for bad guy) Jack Spade against “face” (good guy) brother Ace, played by Alexander Ludwig.

What do you think of Stephen Amell’s statements regarding the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike? Can you both support unions but not the strike? Give us your take in the comments section below.