Stephen Amell's Candid Explanation: Standing Strong with SAG-AFTRA Amid Controversy

Summary

Stephen Amell clarifies his support for SAG-AFTRA, emphasizing that he stands with the union and has unconditional support for them.

Although Amell is not a fan of striking, he recognizes its importance and comprehends the reasons behind its implementation. He concedes that his previous remarks regarding the strike were poorly expressed and vocalizes his frustration, while acknowledging the intricate nature of the underlying concerns.

Arrow actor Stephen Amell apologized for his recent comments criticizing the SAG-AFTRA strike. Initially, he had stated that he did not support the act of striking. However, his comments caused controversy after a video discussing the strike started circulating online. The CW star faced backlash on social media from fans, writers, and actors for speaking against strikes. Less than 24 hours later, Amell addressed the outrage in an official statement on Instagram to clarify his stance on the SAG-AFTRA strike. Read his full response below:

I understand that my comments about our strike have garnered a significant amount of attention and response. In order to prevent any confusion or misinterpretation of my thoughts and intentions, I would like to provide an accurate account of what I actually stated, as well as offer additional context and clarification to avoid any unintentional misunderstandings. It is crucial to acknowledge that soundbites can easily be presented without proper context, and out of respect for my fellow union members, I believe it is necessary to set the record straight.

1 “I support my union, I do, and I stand with them.”This doesn’t need much clarity: My support is unconditional and I stand with them.

What I actually said:

"I do not endorse or advocate for striking, absolutely not. However, it is important to acknowledge the underlying reasons behind our current situation. While my use of the word 'support' may have been misleading, I want to emphasize that I stand firmly by my union and our cause. Naturally, no one enjoys resorting to striking, but it is a necessary measure that we must take."

What I said

3 “I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic and I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating.”

I’m an actor who spoke spontaneously for more than an hour. While I express emotions, I acknowledge that these issues are not easily resolved. Our leaders have a challenging task, and I appreciate their efforts. Although my early acting work was lousy, I can assure you that I am not a machine. Intellectually, I comprehend the reasons behind the strike, yet it remains emotionally vexing for everyone involved on various levels.

"I find it absurd to believe that the thinking behind shows, particularly the one I am currently on, which premiered last night, is narrow-minded. Let me clarify, there is nothing amusing about the strike situation. However, if I may indulge in self-deprecation, I must admit that I have no idea what I was attempting to convey with the phrase 'I think that thinking...?' It may have been a clumsy attempt to express gratitude and appreciation for our amazing crew and cast, who are incredibly important to me. It saddens me that we do not have the opportunity to celebrate a show that we all worked tirelessly for, both metaphorically and literally, as I even endured physical strain."

From the start, I want to clarify my thoughts and intentions to avoid any misunderstandings. This situation brings to mind the saying, "good intentions pave the road to hell," which seems to be where many of you want me to go based on the initial comments I've read. Nevertheless, I have made the decision to support my union for the foreseeable future. If you happen to see me on a picket line, please refrain from throwing any hard fruit.