SAG-AFTRA Supports 'Dancing With the Stars' Cast Amid Strikes, Says They Are Not Breaking Rules

SAG-AFTRA has cleared the air on Dancing With the Stars‘ return amid the Hollywood strikes.

Despite pressure from the Writers Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA has affirmed that DWTS cast members are not acting in violation of strike rules when the show premieres its 32nd season on September 26.

Keep reading to find out more…

In a statement provided to Variety, a spokesperson for SAG-AFTRA said, “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.”

The statement adds, “The program is a SAG-AFTRA non-dramatic production under a separate agreement that is not subject to the union’s strike order. The majority of our members on Dancing With the Stars had contractual obligations to the show prior to the strike. Many are under option agreements that require them to return to the show if the producer exercises their option which the producer has done.”

Despite SAG-AFTRA’s firm support for striking unions in the industry, it acknowledges that certain members are obligated to work.

“It is important to recognize that SAG-AFTRA is fighting against the studios and not members who are required to go to work every day under other union contracts or personal service agreements. We stand with our union siblings across the industry as we also recognize our obligations under federal labor law.”

DWTS currently counts two hosts, three judges and professional dancers as SAG-AFTRA members alongside much of its celebrity cast.

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