Dancing with the Stars under fire for returning during WGA strike
Season 32 of Dancing with the Stars is set to premiere next week. The Writers Guild of America is calling for Dancing with the Stars to push back the season amid the ongoing WGA strike. So far, DWTS/ABC/Disney+ has not made any plans to delay the season to comply.
The show employs one writer who works with the hosts and writes talking points for them. During the 2007-2008 strike, DWTS proceeded with their season without the show's writer. Translation: there is very little chance that they will postpone S32 because of the strike. Union members are planning to picket the show.
Former DWTS pro Cheryl Burke said she thinks the show should pause until the strike is over:
Well, after the Drew Barrymore thing, I have mixed feelings. Even in the pandemic, people can say, “Why would you do this?” When you’re talking about the entertainment industry, this is a sensitive subject. In order for things to change, we have to stick together, point blank, because if one show just decides to think about the show on its own, this is not going to make big changes. It is not going to change the way these other people - the opposing team - are thinking. At the end of the day, we have to stick together because that’s the only way to ever make any significant change. Even the cast of “Friends,” when they asked for more money, they all stuck together. The problem is that if we don’t, then we’re setting a precedent, and I don’t think it’s gonna be good for the show, to be quite honest, in the long run. I understand what they’re thinking and I get it. It’s a business, but there is no business without the rest of the business. I think they should hold tight. I think we need to stand as one. We need to unite for real, and not just say we’re united.
How are actors allowed to appear on DWTS during the SAG-AFTRA strike?
Under SAG-AFTRA rules, actors are still allowed to appear on shows like DWTS because participation falls under the Network Code agreement that isn’t a part of the current strike. This contract is separate from the film and TV collective bargaining agreement that SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP have been negotiating and is between the guild and the Big 4 broadcast networks, as well as other producers. It is the same rule that applies to daytime soaps and morning shows. Under this agreement, actors are allowed to do reality, unscripted, competition, or documentary shows. For what it's worth, SAG has signed off on DWTS, Celebrity Jeopardy!, and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.
DWTS episodes often features video packages that showcase a cast member’s past TV and film projects. Under current strike rules, former SAG-AFTRA projects cannot be promoted or discussed, which means that in order to comply with union rules, this season's video packages will not include any footage from past shows or movies, in order to comply with union rules.
The Season 32 cast includes multiple members of SAG-AFTRA, including Alyson Hannigan, Jamie Lynn Spears, Barry Williams, Matt Walsh, Mira Sorvino, Ariana Madix, and Xochitl Gomez.
Cheryl has a new podcast about DWTS called Sex, Lies and Spray Tan. I haven't listened to it, but she has promised to share behind-the-scenes secrets and stories from her time on the show in addition to interviewing former and current pros and contestants. Her thoughts on repeat abuser Adrian Peterson being cast:
"We’ve had a lot of controversial characters on the show. I think I danced with Ray Lewis - that was a bit controversial. When it comes to abuse, I do agree with Sharna. However, you sign up to be a part of the show. And honestly, as a pro dancer, whoever walks in through that door, you don’t turn around and walk out. You’re signing up for this. It’s not like you can request, but if you say certain things that you’re triggered by, you would hope that that wouldn’t happen. But this is showbiz. I respect her, of course. I come from abuse as a little girl. At the end of the day, I don’t promote it. But my job is, I’m an employee. You can’t just turn around and walk out and say I’m sorry. That’s not part of the contract. It’s a fine line.
We have zero say of who we dance with. Honestly, for most of these pro dancers, they are counting their blessings that they are asked back. Think of most jobs in America. Most people don’t want to be there. We’re lucky that we get to do what we love to do and get paid for it on national television. You’ve got to separate; not every workplace you’re gonna agree with their morals, values and beliefs, but you signed up for it. We all have to pay bills."
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