‘Dancing With the Stars’ Actor Matt Walsh Walks Out of Rehearsals Amid Writers Strike
Amidst the ongoing Hollywood writers strike, ‘Veep’ actor Matt Walsh, a contestant on ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ has made the decision to suspend his involvement with the show. The popular TV program, set to return on September 26, may face a delayed season premiere due to mounting pressure from the Writers Guild of America (WGA). As a WGA member, Walsh has been informed by the union that ‘Dancing With the Stars’ is considered struck work.
In a statement obtained by CBS News, Walsh expressed his rationale for taking a break from the show, saying, I am taking a pause from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ until an agreement is made with the WGA. I was excited to join the show and did so under the impression that it was not a WGA show and fell under a different agreement. This morning when I was informed by my union, the WGA, that it is considered struck work, I walked out of my rehearsal.
Walsh, a strong advocate for union members, also emphasized his support for fellow members of the WGA, SAG, and DGA. His stance reflects his sensitivity to the wider impact of the strike and his hopes for a swift and fair resolution. Additionally, he expressed his desire to work with the talented individuals he met on ‘DWTS’ in the future, acknowledging their tolerance of his dancing skills.
While the actors union SAG-AFTRA has backed the participation of celebrities and dancers on the show, the WGA, whose members have been picketing rehearsals, covers the series. SAG-AFTRA clarified their position in a statement, explaining, Our members appearing on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ are working under the Network Code agreement, which is a non-struck contract. They are required to go to work, are not in violation of SAG-AFTRA strike rules, and we support them in fulfilling their contractual obligations.
As the Hollywood writers strike continues to affect the television industry, it remains to be seen how other individuals and productions will navigate their involvement in ongoing projects. The issue at hand has divided unions, with different unions overseeing different aspects of the entertainment industry. This discordance underscores the complex nature of negotiations and the challenges faced by those on both sides of the strike.
Ultimately, the hope is for a fair resolution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved, allowing writers and other industry professionals to resume their work and bring entertainment to audiences once again. As negotiations continue, the future of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and other affected productions hangs in the balance, creating uncertainty for all involved.
