Jamie Lee Curtis’ remarks on the SAG-AFTRA strike attracted intense backlash, which led her to clarify what she meant by her previous statement. The commencement of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes has been successful in bringing forth a situation that seeks the protection of writers and actors amidst a complex, rapidly-changing era of the entertainment industry.
With unfair compensation, shrinking residuals, and the age of Artificial Intelligence threatening their livelihood and artistry, these strikes aim to fight for a proper deal. While the support has been astounding, several prominent Hollywood figures have also spoken against the situation or maintained neutrality. Recent reports detailed how a poorly-worded statement made by Jamie Lee Curtis landed her in hot water amongst netizens.
Taking to Instagram, the actress clarified her stance, which was deemed by reports to have been “neutral.”
How Jamie Lee Curtis’ Switzerland Comment Backfired
At a charity event for Project Angel Food, the True Lies alum was asked about the ongoing dispute between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Here, the star stated that she hoped she could be “Switzerland in all of this.” Speaking to Variety, the actress expressed her desire for the labor union and trade association to establish common ground:
“I’m hopeful that we can all see all sides. I’m more Switzerland. I’m not a polarized person here. I don’t like the rhetoric on both sides. Any settlement means nobody’s happy. So there will be a settlement and not everyone will be happy. I don’t like the them vs. us […] It’s one industry and I hope that all of the sides can recognize the oneness of our industry.”
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In an interview with Reuters, Jamie Lee Curtis reiterated her desire of wanting to take the role of “Switzerland” in the current dispute:
“I hope that I can be Switzerland in all this. I hope that both sides see the value of continuing the conversation. The issues are real. My hope is that no one will be happy with a settlement, but we will get back to work. That’s just the nature of a settlement — both sides aren’t happy. We’re all gonna have to give up something to get something, and I hope that what we get to do, ultimately, is continue our work.”
These comments failed to sit well amongst fans and the general public. Despite her past support for the strike, her remarks seemed to convey a sense of neutrality. Her Switzerland comment is a nod to World War I and World War II where the country maintained its policy of armed neutrality. It’s safe to say people weren’t happy with the implications of the statement.
Jamie Lee Curtis Clarified Her Stance After Being Called Out For Neutrality
Days after her initial comment reaped negative reception, The Bear alum took to Instagram to clarify her viewpoint. Here, the Oscar-winning star expressed her complete endorsement of the SAG-AFTRA strike and encouraged viewers to consider all perspectives in the disagreement to find a fair and satisfactory solution.
Following is what the actress wrote:
“I attended a beautiful charity event celebrating the groundbreaking for the new campus of @projectangelfood and I was inevitably asked about the strike and I made a comment about wanting to be like Switzerland. All of a sudden the clearly desperate news cycle machine is all over me to clarify those comments.”
She then added:
“I FULLY SUPPORT the @sagaftra strike, have volunteered making signs multiple times, and have donated to the relief fund. I SUPPORT the leadership and SUPPORT our demands. I’m a rank-and-file union member. I am not on any negotiating committee. I believe we have to look at all sides in any conflict in order to find resolution, solution, and a fair and equitable settlement.”
Read also: Zachary Levi Blasts Strike for Selfish Reasons After Stephen Amell’s Ignorant Comments
While her clarifications may have satiated some, the majority noted that the actress only contradicted her initial remark after facing criticism. Some Twitter users additionally mentioned that Lee Curtis’ badly-phrased statement comes from a place of privilege. Despite having corrected herself, the actress continues to face public disapproval.
What Netizens Thought Of The Clarification
Jamie Lee Curtis’ attempt at walking the tightrope may have failed to generate a favorable response. Following are some of the reactions that social media users had after the Everything Everywhere All at Once actress posted her Instagram clarification:
It seems as though Jamie Lee Curtis’ reiterated support for the SAG-AFTRA strike has found considerable opposition after her “neutral” statements angered the masses. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time a Hollywood celebrity has had to re-address previous comments about the strike. Recently, Stephen Amell and Zachary Levi found themselves in similar situations. They later retracted their remarks.
Source: Instagram
