Celebrities like Mandy Moore slammed SAG-AFTRA’s Halloween costume ban on wearing looks that would support struck projects as the strike drags on amid broken talks with the major studios.
The Screen Actor’s Guild-American Federation of Television Radio Artist’s issued a guideline on October 18 that card-carrying actors should “choose costumes inspired by generalized characters and figures (such as ghost, zombie, or spider)” in order to “celebrate Halloween this year while also staying in solidarity” with the strike.
The guidelines stated actors should not “post photos of costumes inspired by struck content to social media” because that would give the studios publicity. “Let’s use our collective power to send a loud and clear message to our struck employers that we will not promote their content without a fair contract!”
SAG-AFTRA and Studios to Resume Talks, 12 Days After AMPTP Walked Away From Table https://t.co/lfWdwSXERb
— TVLine.com (@TVLine) October 21, 2023
“Is this a joke? Come on [sagaftra],” Moore wrote on her Instagram Story. “This is what’s important? We’re asking you to negotiate in good faith on our behalf.”
“So many folks across every aspect of this industry have been sacrificing mightily for months,” she added. “Get back to the table and get a fair deal so everyone can get back to work.”
“Deadpool” star Ryan Reynolds wrote on X “I look forward to screaming ‘scab’ at my 8 year old all night. She’s not in the union but she needs to learn.”
Actress and former SAG-AFTRA president Melissa Gilbert slammed the rules, “THIS is what you guys come up with? Literally no one cares what anyone wears for Halloween. I mean, do you really think this kind of infantile stuff is going to end the strike? We look like a joke.”
“Please tell me you’re going to make this rule go away … and go negotiate!” she added. “For the love of God, people are suffering mightily and this is what you have to say … c’mon.”
In response, the Hollywood union issued a clarification that the “SAG-AFTRA issued Halloween guidance” was not meant to apply to “anyone’s kids” and instead was “in response to questions from content creators and members about how to support the strike during this festive season.”
“This was meant to help them avoid promoting struck work, and it is the latest in a series of guidelines we have issued,” the statement added. “… We are on strike for important reasons, and have been for nearly 100 days. Our number one priority remains getting the studios back to the negotiating table so we can get a fair deal for our members, and finally put our industry back to work.”
The actor’s strike is nearing its 100th day after talks broke off Saturday without a deal with studios. In July, SAG-AFTRA authorized a strike after failing to come to a deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).