Major Actresses Who Don’t Support The SAG-AFTRA Strike

The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike brought Hollywood to a standstill as actors fought for fair residuals and protections against artificial intelligence. While the vast majority of the union membership stood in solidarity on the picket lines, a select group of high-profile actresses faced backlash for their actions during the stoppage. Some returned to work on talk shows or reality productions while others utilized controversial interim agreements to continue filming movies. A few even voiced public criticism regarding the strategies employed by union leadership during the tense negotiations.

Drew Barrymore

Barrymore faced significant criticism when she announced the return of ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ amidst the ongoing strikes. The actress and host stated she owned the decision to resume production despite the picketing occurring outside her studio. Her choice led to the National Book Awards rescinding her invitation to host their ceremony. She eventually paused the show again following intense backlash from union members and the public.

Jennifer Hudson

Hudson resumed production on ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’ during the labor dispute which drew ire from striking writers and actors. The decision to bring the show back to the airwaves was met with immediate criticism from union supporters. She eventually halted production after facing pressure but the initial move to return was seen as a breach of solidarity. Her show operates under a different contract but the optical misalignment with the strike caused controversy.

Kelly Clarkson

The host of ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ faced scrutiny when her program prepared to return to television during the industry stoppage. Clarkson had previously expressed support for the writers but the move to resume production was viewed negatively by many on the picket lines. Charges of unfair labor practices regarding her show’s production environment further complicated the narrative. The resumption of her daytime talk show highlighted the divide between different entertainment contracts.

Sherri Shepherd

Shepherd brought her daytime talk show ‘Sherri’ back to production while the strikes were still active. The decision allowed her staff to return to work but was criticized for undermining the collective bargaining leverage of the unions. She defended the move by citing the need to employ her crew during the difficult financial period. This return to air placed her at odds with the strict solidarity demanded by many striking performers.

Kim Kardashian

Kardashian crossed a physical picket line to enter the set of ‘American Horror Story: Delicate’ in New York City. Striking writers and actors publicly called her out on social media for continuing to work during the stoppage. The production reportedly attempted to film around the protests which led to heated exchanges near the set. Her decision to continue filming was viewed by many as a high-profile dismissal of the union’s efforts.

Emma Roberts

Roberts continued filming ‘American Horror Story: Delicate’ alongside Kardashian during the height of the strike action. The actress was spotted on set while picketers demonstrated nearby to shut down the production. Her participation in the show during the strike drew negative attention from union loyalists who believed all filming should cease. The situation highlighted the tension between ongoing productions and the strike mandate.

Cara Delevingne

Delevingne was also part of the ‘American Horror Story: Delicate’ cast that continued working despite the industry shutdown. Her presence on the set contributed to the controversy surrounding the Ryan Murphy production. Union members felt that established stars crossing picket lines weakened the overall message of the strike. The production became a focal point for anger regarding the continuation of work during the labor dispute.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Curtis faced backlash after she told Variety she wanted to remain neutral like Switzerland regarding the strike. Her comments about not liking the rhetoric from both sides were interpreted by some as a lack of full support for the union’s aggressive stance. She later clarified her position and reiterated her support for the leadership after the online outcry. The initial remarks were seen as unhelpful during a time when unity was prioritized.

Sarah Silverman

Silverman released a video heavily criticizing the union for granting interim agreements that allowed some actors to keep working. She argued that movie stars filming independent projects during the strike undermined the work stoppage’s effectiveness. Her vocal opposition to the waiver strategy placed her at odds with the union leadership who authorized the agreements. She eventually met with Fran Drescher to discuss the matter but remained skeptical of the policy.

Shannen Doherty

Doherty publicly criticized SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher regarding the union’s health insurance policies. The actress expressed feeling abandoned by the union she had paid into for decades after losing coverage due to not meeting income thresholds while battling cancer. Her comments highlighted deep internal dissatisfaction with how the union protects its vulnerable members. This public critique added to the pressure on leadership during the strike period.

Selena Gomez

Gomez was accused of breaking strike rules after tagging her show ‘Only Murders in the Building’ in an Instagram post. The post appeared to promote the series which was strictly forbidden under the strike guidelines regarding publicity. She deleted the video after facing immediate accusations of scabbing from followers and union members. The incident raised questions about how seriously some celebrities were taking the promotional ban.

Anne Hathaway

Hathaway continued working during the strike by filming the movie ‘Mother Mary’ under a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement. While she followed the technical rules of the waiver her participation in a film shoot was criticized by peers like Sarah Silverman. The optics of an A-list star working while others picketed created a divide within the membership. This utilization of the waiver system was seen by some as contrary to the spirit of a total work stoppage.

Jenna Ortega

Ortega worked on the film ‘Death of a Unicorn’ which was granted an interim agreement by the union. Her continued employment on the set was permitted by leadership but questioned by rank-and-file members struggling without work. The production proceeded because the studio A24 was not part of the alliance being struck against. Critics felt that big stars continuing to film created a confusing message for the public.

Dakota Fanning

Fanning filmed ‘The Watchers’ during the strike after the production secured an interim agreement. The movie continued its schedule while major studio projects were completely shut down. Her participation in the project drew attention to the controversial waiver policy utilized by the union. Some members felt that all actors should cease working to apply maximum pressure on the industry.

Rebel Wilson

Wilson continued to work on the film ‘Bride Hard’ after it received an interim agreement from the union. She even sustained a facial injury on the set while performing a stunt during the filming period. Her active status on a movie set stood in stark contrast to the majority of actors who were barred from working. The situation underscored the complexity and controversy of the interim agreement strategy.

Sigourney Weaver

Weaver worked on the film ‘Dust Bunny’ which was among the productions granted a waiver to shoot during the strike. Her involvement in an active production was scrutinized by those who believed a complete shutdown was necessary. The legendary actress utilized the union-approved loophole to continue her professional activities. This action placed her in the group of actors who worked while thousands of others could not.

Penélope Cruz

Cruz promoted the film ‘Ferrari’ at the Venice Film Festival after the movie received an interim agreement. Her appearance on the red carpet was technically allowed but visually jarring during a time when promotion was largely banned. Many actors chose to skip festivals entirely to avoid the appearance of breaking solidarity. Her decision to promote the film highlighted the exceptions that existed within the strike rules.

Shailene Woodley

Woodley also promoted the film ‘Ferrari’ alongside Cruz during the Venice Film Festival. The actress participated in press events that were sanctioned by the interim agreement but criticized by strike hardliners. Her presence at a glamorous film festival event contrasted sharply with the images of actors on picket lines. The promotional activity was seen by some as diluting the impact of the media blackout.

Jessica Chastain

Chastain promoted her film ‘Memory’ at the Venice Film Festival under an interim agreement waiver. She admitted feeling incredibly nervous about attending the event due to the potential for backlash from her peers. While she used the platform to voice support for the union her presence was still a point of contention. The decision to utilize the waiver for promotion was a difficult one that divided opinions.

Whoopi Goldberg

Goldberg continued her duties as a moderator on ‘The View’ throughout the duration of the strike. The show operates under the Network Code which is a different contract than the one that was being struck. However her daily presence on television was confusing to the general public and criticized by some who wanted a total blackout. She had to frequently explain on air why the show was allowed to continue filming.

Joy Behar

Behar remained on the air as a host of ‘The View’ alongside her colleagues during the labor dispute. She continued to work under the separate Network Code agreement despite the industry-wide tensions. Her visibility on a daily talk show was seen by some as a lack of visual solidarity with the striking actors. The continuation of daytime talk shows was a frequent point of frustration for those on the picket lines.

Sunny Hostin

Hostin continued hosting ‘The View’ and working her daily schedule while the strike halted scripted productions. She defended the show’s status as being under a different contract that did not permit them to strike. Critics argued that the hosts should have found a way to show more solidarity with the actors’ union. Her continued work contributed to the fragmented nature of the television landscape during the strike.

Sara Haines

Haines appeared daily on ‘The View’ throughout the months-long strike action. The host fulfilled her contractual obligations under the Network Code while scripted actors were barred from working. This discrepancy caused confusion among viewers who did not understand the nuances of the different union contracts. Her active presence on television was a reminder that not all of Hollywood had shut down.

Ana Navarro

Navarro continued her work on ‘The View’ and appeared on television regularly during the strike. She often spoke about the political landscape while the entertainment industry was in turmoil. The decision for the show to remain on air was protected by contract but criticized for optics. Her continued employment highlighted the specific exemptions that allowed unscripted television to survive the stoppage.

Amanda Kloots

Kloots continued to host ‘The Talk’ after the show navigated its return to the airwaves. The show operates under a separate contract which allowed the hosts to work without breaking strike rules. However the return of the show was met with the same scrutiny that faced other daytime programs. Her continued work was viewed by some as undermining the collective pause of the industry.

Sheryl Underwood

Underwood returned to her hosting duties on ‘The Talk’ while the strike was still ongoing. She worked under the Network Code agreement which legally required her to fulfill her contract. The visibility of the show during the strike was a sore point for many union members. Her participation in the broadcast was technically permitted but socially complicated within the union.

Natalie Morales

Morales continued working as a host on ‘The Talk’ during the entertainment industry shutdown. The show’s production resumed and allowed the hosts to collect paychecks while scripted actors could not. This disparity in work eligibility caused tension within the broader acting community. Her daily appearances on television were a constant reminder of the divided labor landscape.

Tamron Hall

Hall continued production of ‘Tamron Hall’ throughout the strike period under the Network Code. The host kept her show running which allowed her staff to remain employed but drew attention for staying on air. She emphasized that her show was not under the struck contract to justify the decision. The continuation of the show was part of the broader controversy surrounding daytime television.

Kelly Ripa

Ripa continued to host ‘Live with Kelly and Mark’ without interruption during the strike. Her show falls under the Network Code which meant she was not part of the work stoppage. The daily broadcast continued to feature guests and segments while other productions were dark. Her continued visibility was a point of frustration for those seeking a complete industry shutdown.

Bethenny Frankel

Frankel called for a reality television strike but also criticized SAG-AFTRA for not properly representing reality stars. She publicly aired grievances about the lack of residuals and protections for unscripted talent. Her comments were critical of the union’s historical treatment of her sector of the industry. This created a parallel narrative that questioned the union’s scope and effectiveness.

Rebecca Herbst

Herbst remained on set for ‘General Hospital’ throughout the duration of the strike. The soap opera contract prevented actors from joining the work stoppage initiated by the theatrical contract. Her continued employment was met with harassment from fans who did not understand the legal differences. The situation put soap actors in the difficult position of working while their peers protested.

Kelly Monaco

Monaco continued filming episodes of ‘General Hospital’ during the strike. The actress was bound by the Network Code agreement which contains a no-strike clause. Her presence on television was interpreted by some misinformed viewers as a lack of support for the union. The soap opera community faced unique challenges in communicating their contractual reality.

Nancy Lee Grahn

Grahn worked on ‘General Hospital’ during the strike and was very vocal about the harassment soap actors received. She explained repeatedly that walking off the job would be a violation of her specific contract. The actress defended her colleagues against accusations of being scabs. Her situation highlighted the internal complexities of the various SAG-AFTRA contracts.

Genie Francis

Francis continued her work on ‘General Hospital’ amid the industry-wide shutdown. The legendary actress was required to report to set due to the Network Code agreement. Her continued appearance on daytime television was a point of contention for viewers unaware of the contract details. The soap opera genre remained largely unaffected by the strike which created a visual disparity.

Finola Hughes

Hughes continued filming ‘General Hospital’ throughout the contentious strike period. The actress was contractually obligated to work under the Network Code. Her continued presence on screen was a source of confusion for the general public supporting the strike. The soap opera actors were forced to work through the strike despite the optics.

Georgina Campbell

Campbell starred in ‘The Watchers’ alongside Dakota Fanning during the strike. The actress worked on the film under the interim agreement obtained by the production. Her participation in the project was criticized by those who opposed the waiver system. The continued filming of such projects was a major point of debate regarding strike strategy.

Hunter Schafer

Schafer worked on the film ‘Mother Mary’ under an interim agreement during the stoppage. The actress continued to film scenes while the majority of the industry was shut down. Her involvement in the project was permitted by the union but questioned by critics of the waiver policy. The situation placed her in the center of the debate regarding independent productions.

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