SAG-AFTRA members are encouraged to lace up their shoes and hit the “Dancing with the Stars” floor.
The actors’ union, which includes “DWTS” contestants Alyson Hannigan, Jamie Lynn Spears, Barry Williams, Mira Sorvino, Ariana Madix and Xochitl Gomez, said Thursday it supports its members competing on the long-running show d ‘ABC.
“We help them fulfill their contractual obligations,” SAG said in a media statement.
“The majority of our ‘Dancing with the Stars’ members had contractual obligations to the show prior to the strike. Many are under option contracts that require them to return to the show if the producer exercises his option, which he did.
The union added that as part of the Network Code collective agreement, stars are also subject to a no-strike clause.
“By not showing up for work, our artists can be accused of breach of contract and the union is prohibited from advising them not to work,” adds the SAG press release.
The Post has reached out to representatives from ABC, SAG and the Writers Guild of America for comment.
The statement comes after “Veep” star and “DWTS” contestant Matt Walsh, 58, revealed Thursday that he was “pausing” his participation in the competition until a deal is reached with the WGA, also on strike.
“I was excited to join the show and I did so under the impression that it wasn’t a WGA show and was under a different deal,” the actor said.
“This morning, when my union, the WGA, informed me that this was a work strike, I left my rehearsal. I have and always will stand with my union members WGA, SAG and DGA.
“DWTS” has a WGA editor. Members picketed for rehearsals.
The WGA began the strike in May. SAG-AFTRA joined writers on the picket line in July.
Both unions are demanding increases in base pay and residuals in the age of streaming television, as well as assurances that their jobs will not be replaced by artificial intelligence.
“DWTS” Season 32 is scheduled to premiere Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST on ABC and stream on Disney+.
Alfonso Ribeiro, 52, and Julianne Hough, 35, will host, while Derek Hough, 38, Carrie Ann Inaba, 55, and Bruno Tonioli, 67, will judge.
Fans of the show are also criticizing the casting of former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, 38.
New York Post
