'Arrow' Creator Defends Stephen Amell Amid Backlash For Anti-Strike Comments: 'He Has Our Back'

The cast of the hit CW show, "Arrow," had a mini-reunion in support of striking industry workers, organized by executive producer and show creator, Marc Guggenheim. But the show's star, Stephen Amell, who was recently criticized for his anti-strike comments, was notably absent.

Guggenheim addressed Amell's absence and stated that the actor's comments on the strike were "misconstrued." He also emphasized Amell's support for both SAG and WGA.

Keep on reading to learn more.

On Friday, CW's "Arrow" cast members gathered at Warner Bros. Burbank to raise funds for industry crew members through the Union Solidarity Coalition during Hollywood's first two-union walkout since 1960.

Organized by executive producer Marc Guggenheim, the event included show stars Katie Cassidy, Willa Holland, and more. However, missing in action was Stephen Amell, who recently came under heat for his comments against striking.

Guggenheim revealed to The Hollywood Reporter he had spoken to Amell the previous night and emphasized that "what he was saying [about the strike] did get misconstrued."

"He was in New York for Colin Donnell's play yesterday and was picketing Warner Bros. Discovery this morning. It's not my place to talk about another union and their strike but Stephen is as supportive of SAG as he is of the WGA," Guggenheim said. 

He added, "I'm glad he was picketing; I'm bummed he wasn't here to join us today, but he did send Beth and Wendy a lovely text encouraging us. He has our back, and we have his."

Amell's contrasting view on the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike stirred discussion and divided opinions. The actor's stance stands apart from the vast majority of fellow actors, with over 97.91% supporting the strike.

While speaking at GalaxyCon in Raleigh, North Carolina, to promote his series "Heels," Amell expressed concerns about the strike's effectiveness.

He acknowledged his support for the union but voiced his disagreement with striking as a negotiating tactic. "I support my union, I do, and I stand with them, but I do not support striking, I don't. I think it is a reductive negotiating tactic, and I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating," he explained.

He described the approach as narrow-sighted, especially concerning shows like "Heels," adding, "I think the thinking as it pertains to shows like the show that I'm on (Heels), that premiered last night, I think it's myopic."

After facing backlash over his remarks on the SAG-AFTRA strike, Amell addressed the issue on Instagram, aiming to clarify his stance. In a detailed post, the 42-year-old actor sought to prevent misunderstanding and provide context for his comments.

He reiterated his unconditional support for the union and explained that his phrase "I do not support striking" was an inarticulate choice of words that contradicted his true feelings. "Of course, I don't like striking. Nobody does. But we have to do what we have to do," he added.

He acknowledged the complexity of the situation, expressed his frustration, and recognized the difficulties faced by leadership. "Our leadership has an incredibly complicated job and I am grateful for all that they do," he clarified. "I understand why we are striking, but that doesn't mean it isn't emotionally frustrating on many levels for all involved."

Amell also dissected his other quotes, admitting in one instance to incoherent expression.

He concluded his lengthy post by reaffirming his commitment to standing with the union, even amid criticism. "I choose to stand with my union. When you see me on a picket line please don't whip any hard fruit," he concluded.

Following his clarification post, Amell faced criticism in the comments section, with one individual urging him to exit the union, suggesting, "No one likes to strike, so apologize, stop promoting your work or leave the union. It's simple."

Another commenter questioned his priorities, stating, "So you don't support the strike because you think celebrating your show is more important than the majority of your colleagues getting paid fairly?"

A different user encouraged Amell to take responsibility for his words. "Buddy you said what you said. You have already broken the rules of the strike by promoting your show. Own it and don't act like you didn't say what was said," they wrote.

Conversely, some defended his perspective, advising him to "never apologize to the mob." Another commenter tried to clarify Amell's viewpoint, explaining, "I guess you can't support your union while also wishing you were working? He's simply saying he wishes it didn't have to come to a strike but he still supports it. How hard is this to understand?"