Zachary Levi says that some of his comments about the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes were taken out of context. This follows video of him calling the strike rules “so dumb” surfaced.
Levi calls ongoing strikes necessary to protect those in Hollywood
In a statement made on Friday (via The Hollywood Reporter), Levi called his previous comments “an offhand remark,” and said that they’ve since been taken out of context. He went on to voice his full support for both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, and called the strike a necessary thing to protect actors and writers alike.
“It’s come to my attention that an offhand remark I made in jest last weekend is being taken out of context,” Levi said. “So let me be very clear. I fully support my union, the WGA, and the strike. I remain an outspoken critic of the exploitative system that us artists are subject to work in since I started my journey in this business 25 years ago. This strike is necessary to protect ourselves, our writers, and all those working in production who make the industry move.”
Despite the clarification, Levi went on to echo the sentiments he made last week. The actor stated that people cannot forget the fans while they strike.
“But we also cannot forget our fans during this strike. Fans that spend their money and energy traveling far distances to talk with us about our work that means so much to them, we should be able to engage. Our business exists and succeeds because of the fans, and I think it’s imperative we appreciate them for their support of our careers.”
What did Zachary Levi say?
Levi’s statement comes a few days after the Shazam! and Chuck star appeared at Manchester Comic-Con last month, and called the strike “so dumb” due to its rules about not allowing actors to promote or talk about the work they’ve been in. Fans were quick to criticize the actor, likening his comments to those of actor Stephen Amell, who also voiced his disappointment with the strike rules at a recent convention appearance.
“I’m not allowed to talk about … this is so dumb. I’m not allowed to talk about any of my previous work,” said Levi. “I’m not allowed to talk about movies that I may be a superhero in. I’m not allowed to talk about TV shows that I may have been a nerd who worked at a Best Buy. I’m not allowed to talk about any animated princess movies that I was fantastic in — as the best prince ever! I’m not allowed to talk about those things.”
