Arrowverse Stars Call Out Stephen Amell After He Slammed SAG-AFTRA Strike

Understandably, there has been a lot of reaction to the comments I made this weekend about our strike. To ensure there is no misunderstanding about my thoughts and intentions I’m providing what I actually said and clarity/context to ensure my feelings aren’t unintentionally misinterpreted.  We all know soundbites can be taken out of context and I have too much respect for my fellow union members to not clarify the record.

What I actually said:

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:

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.

What I said

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.

What I said

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.

As I said from the jump, I want to ensure that my thoughts and intentions are not misconstrued. This situation reminds of the proverb, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions,” which apparently, after reading a limited amount of the commentary, is a place many of you would like me to visit. However, at least for the foreseeable future, I choose to stand with my union. When you see me on a picket line please don’t whip any hard fruit. - Stephen

Stephen Amell is under fire for his comments about the SAG-AFTRA strike, in which he shared his disdain for the boycott.

While appearing at Galaxycon in Raleigh, North Carolina, the actor spoke out about the current strike, per Deadline.

"I support my union, I do, and I stand with them, but I do not support striking, I don't," said the actor. "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."

SAG-AFTRA went on strike on July 14th, effectively shutting down Hollywood as they joined the Writers Guild of America in protesting what they say are unfair wages and treatment.

This is the first time in 60 years the two unions have protested at the same time -- bringing almost every television and film set to a screeching halt. The unions are striking for better pay, streaming revenue, and transparency surrounding the use of artificial intelligence.

Amell's comments have garnered backlash from both fans and his fellow Arrowverse cast members.

The Flash star Matt Letscher tweeted in response to Amell's comments, writing, "Still waiting on that comprehensive list of totally non-reductive negotiating tactic we get to employ now. Thank god for superheroes!"

Amell's Arrow co-star Kirk Acevedo also tweeted out against his comments, simply writing, "This f---ing guy🙄."