SAG-AFTRA assures members of “Dancing With the Stars” that they are not violating strike rules

SAG-AFTRA released a statement Thursday reiterating that members participating in ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars” are not violating the rules of the ongoing TV/theatre strike and supporting the guild in fulfilling its contractual obligations have.

While the upcoming season of “Dancing With The Stars” will not be allowed to mention or use footage from the shows and films in which the contestants have participated, the show itself is subject to the Network Code contract established by TV -/Film contract separated SAG-AFTRA has been on strike since July 14th.

“The majority of our members on Dancing with the Stars had contractual obligations to the show prior to the strike. Many are subject to option agreements that require them to return to the show if the producer exercises his option, which the producer did,” the guild’s statement said.

“Our members also have a no-strike clause in the collective agreement of the network code,” the statement continues. “This means that our artists agree not to strike during the term of the collective agreement and to report to work during this term (the network code is valid until June 30, 2024). By not showing up for work, our artists can be held in breach of contract and the union is prohibited from advising them not to work.”

SAG-AFTRA’s statement comes as “Veep” star Matt Walsh, who is a member of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, announced he is stepping down from participating in the show pending an employment contract with the writers Guild, which is also a member amid renewed negotiations with Hollywood studio CEOs and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

ABC is also reportedly considering delaying the show’s Season 32 premiere as progress is made on a new WGA contract. The show is currently premiering on ABC and Disney+ on September 26th.

“When I was informed this morning by my union, the WGA, that this was strike work, I walked out of my rehearsal. I have always stood and will always stand with my union members at the WGA, SAG and DGA,” said Walsh. “Beyond our artists’ union, I sympathize with the many people affected by the strike and hope for a quick and fair resolution and to one day work again with all the wonderful people I met on ‘DWTS.’ who tolerated my dancing.”