Stephen Amell, the actor known for his roles in “Arrow” and “Heels,” has clarified his recent controversial comments regarding the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. The 42-year-old actor took to Instagram to provide additional context and ensure that his true feelings and intentions are not misunderstood or misinterpreted.
Amell’s original comments were made during an appearance at Raleigh’s GalaxyCon and garnered significant attention for being some of the first public remarks from an actor expressing opposition to the strike. The strike commenced on July 14 after SAG-AFTRA’s contract expired, and negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers broke down.
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In his Instagram post, Amell begins by emphasizing his support for his union and stating that his support is unconditional. However, he clarifies that he does not support striking and finds the entire situation frustrating. He acknowledges that striking is a necessary tactic and stands with his union members despite the emotional challenges involved.
The actor addresses his use of the word “support,” explaining that it was contradictory to his true feelings and emphasizes his empathy for the complexity of the issues at hand. Amell acknowledges that his off-the-cuff remarks may not have fully conveyed his perspective.
Regarding a specific comment about the show he is on, Amell admits to being inarticulate and self-deprecating. He clarifies that he was not intending to make light of the strike, but rather may have been attempting to express his sadness at not being able to celebrate the show he worked hard on.
Amell concludes his statement by reaffirming his support for his union and expresses his desire to stand with them. He humorously urges people not to whip any hard fruit at him when they see him on a picket line.
SAG-AFTRA has not responded to Amell’s statement as of yet. His clarification comes amid an ongoing and tense situation, with many actors and industry professionals navigating the challenges of the strike while also expressing their opinions and perspectives on the matter.