Last night, Arrow star Stephen Amell became the highest-profile actor to speak out against the SAG-AFTRA strike, and his comments have led to a significant amount of backlash from others in the industry, including some of his former Arrowverse cast-mates.
“I support my union, I do, and I stand with them, but I do not support striking, I don’t," Amell said during an appearance at Galaxycon in Raleigh, NC. "I think it is a reductive negotiating tactic, and I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating. And I think the thinking as it pertains to shows like the show that I’m on [Heels], that premiered last night, I think it’s myopic.”
Despite being filmed saying these exact words, Amell has now released a lengthy statement in an attempt to clarify his comments and "ensure that his feelings aren’t unintentionally misinterpreted."
Here's how Amell broke down each of his statements:
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.”
2. I do not support striking, I don’t.
“What this means in full context: I understand fundamentally why we’re here. My off the cuff use of the word ‘support’ is clearly contradictory to my true feelings and my emphatic statement that I stand with my union. Of course I don’t like striking. Nobody does. But we have to do what we have to do.”
3. I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic and I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating.
“In full context: I’m an actor and I was speaking extemporaneously for over an hour. 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.”
4. I think that thinking as it pertains to shows like the show that I am on that that premiered last night, I think it is myopic.
“What I meant: Nothing about the strike is funny but if I may self deprecate for a moment. I have no clue what I was trying to say here and who says, ‘I think that thinking…?’ Perhaps it was an inarticulate shoutout to our crew and cast, who mean the world to me. I’m simply sad that we don’t have a chance to celebrate a show that all of us figuratively and I literally, broke my back for.”
What do you make of Amell's post? Check out his stamement in full below, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments.