The Flash star Stephen Amell responds after slamming striking actors' negotiation tactics
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Stephen Amell has spoken out after receiving a huge backlash over comments he made about the ongoing actors' strike.
The Flash star came in for some heat after he said he disagreed with the tactics being used by the American actors' union SAG-AFTR.
The union announced last month that its members were going on strike over a labor dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
The groundbreaking move came in the wake of similar action being taken by the Writers Guild of America.
Following the announcement, all members downed tools - as is often the case with strikes - meaning they were unable to carry out any press for new shows and films or even post about their current work.
The stars of Christopher Nolan's new World War Two biopic Oppenheimer even left the red carpet during a premiere as a result.
But when asked about the strikes, Amell claimed he didn't agree with the action being taken.
Speaking during a Q&A with fans at Galaxycon, the 42-year-old said: "I support my union, I do. And I stand with them. I do not support striking. I don’t.
"I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic. I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating. I think the thinking as it pertains to shows — like the show that I’m on that premiered last night — I think it’s myopic.”
The footage was quickly shared around social media, with many criticising Amell and accusing him of not backing his colleagues.
"You truly have failed this city, scab," said one upset fan.
While another commented: "If Stephen Amell ever works again after this strike he will reap the benefits of it. I find THAT 'incredibly frustrating'."
Now, following the backlash, Amell has released a lengthy statement in which he clarified his comments on the matter.
In a post to Instagram, he said that he fully supported his fellow actors, he just did not agree with how the negotiations have panned out.
"Understandably, there has been a lot of reaction to the comments I made this weekend about our strike," Amell explained.
"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.
"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."
He went on: "As I said from the jump, I want to ensure that my thoughts and intentions are not misconstrued.
"When you see me on a picket line please don’t whip any hard fruit."
Topics: Film & TV, US News, Film and TV, DC Comics
