Snoop Dogg Announces Cancellation Of Hollywood Bowl Show In Support Of SAG Strike

Snoop Dogg is showing solidarity for the ongoing writers' and actors' strikes in his way!

With WGA and SAG-AFTRA on lockdown, it has been hell for everyone in the entertainment business. T.V. projects have gotten pushed, the future of both industries has grown more uncertain, and tens of thousands of people are out of work — including Snoop Dogg, who recently called off two of his forthcoming concerts. The cancelation of his big L.A. concerts is entirely symbolic.

In about four months, "Doggystyle," Dogg's 1993 landmark debut album, will hit a milestone of 30 years, but the West Coast rap legend will no longer commemorate the occasion with two big shows as he originally planned. The Grammy-nominated artist was set to perform his highly anticipated shows at the Hollywood Bowl. The concerts were to be produced by Dr. Dre, "Doggystyle" producer.

However, the performances by "Snoop Dogg & Friends," postponed initially from June to Oct. 20 and 21 in support of the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, are officially canceled for the same reason. The rapper's worded post read:

"We continue to stand in solidarity with all of our brothers and sisters in the WGA and SAG-AFTRA during this difficult time and remain hopeful that the AMPTP will come back to the negotiating table with a REAL proposal and we can all get back to work."

As expected, many of his followers, who surged the comments, were pained by the canceled shows; nonetheless, others hailed him for showing real support. One fan commented: "Love the help but heartbroken vou canceled on us.

Another fan remarked, "Way to go, Snoop! A man of the people! ✊🏽," while a third praised, "Much love and respect to Uncle Snoop. You're a cultural powerhouse, and your support means a LOT." A fourth commentator sweetly shared, "I admire you now more than ever!! Sorry about your gig. You're the best ❤️ 🍀."

Around the time the 51-year-old rapper postponed his shows in June, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike authorization.

Per The Blast, the union leaders commenced negotiations ahead of new T.V. and theatrical contract negotiations with AMPTP. The standing SAG-AFTRA contracts with the AMPTP expired at midnight on June 30, 2023.

According to SAG-AFTRA's statement, 97.91% of the voting members voted "Yes" in favor of the strike. Nearly 65,000 members cast ballots for a voting percentage of 47.69% of the union's eligible votes.

The authorization meant that, as early as July 1, the National Board of SAG-AFTRA could have made the move to authorize a strike, as they had received a majority vote of the voting body ruling in favor of the strike. 

The strike authorization did not mean the union would certainly call for a strike, but the National Board was now free to initiate one if a new deal was not reached with the AMPTP. However, SAG-AFTRA declared a strike on July 13. 

Days after the strike commenced, SAG-AFTRA Foundation President Courtney B. Vance and executive director Cyd Wilson sat down and, together, drafted a letter to 2,700 of the union's highest-earning actors— including Dwayne Johnson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Chris Hemsworth.

The letter spoke about the financial need many would face during the work stoppage and requested aid. Of course, once the letter found its way to the "Skyscraper" actor, his team contacted the foundation president and offered help instantly. 

The Blast noted that the sum is in seven figures, but Vance did not disclose the exact amount. Vance described his conversation with Johnson as a "love fest." He recalls telling the former wrestler, "It's like, 'Man, you're stepping up in a way that is allowing others to know the dire necessity of it.'" 

He was also all praise as he said, "This is him saying, 'In such a time as this, I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere, whatever you need me to do.' And that sends a huge message to other folks to do the same thing."