‘Dancing with the Stars’ Accused of Crossing WGA Picket Line with Season 32
Photo by: ABC/Paula Lobo Reading Time: 2 minutes
Dancing with the Stars fans are reacting to the news that the show is WGA-covered. Amid the ongoing writers’ strike, some people are calling for the show’s stars to stand in solidarity with the WGA and refuse to cross the picket line.
Dancing with the Stars Is a WGA Struck Show
On Sunday, TV writer David Slack posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Dancing with the Stars is a WGA-covered show, adding, “Its writers are on strike, and they can’t make the show without scab writing.” He went on to encourage this season’s stars to “do the right thing and refuse to cross our picket line.”
Another TV writer, Bill Wolkoff, reposted Slack’s thread and added that DWTS will tape live at CBS Television City. He added, “We’re going to have a BIG week on our lot picketing struck WGA shows that have decided to return. This prolongs the strike!”
Wolkoff pointed out that one of this season’s celebrities, Matt Walsh, is a member of the WGA himself. He wrote, “The live show hasn’t taped yet, and they all have a chance to do the right thing and honor WGA picket lines.”
Interestingly, Season 32 star Jamie Lynn Spears previously said she intends to donate her weekly salary from the show to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA, in order to “give back to them in a time when they can’t even give back to themselves.”
SEE ALSO: MEET THE CELEBRITY CAST OF ‘DANCING WITH THE STARS’ SEASON 32
Dancing with the Stars is a WGA-covered show. Its writers are on strike, and they can’t make the show without scab writing.
— David Slack (@slack2thefuture) September 17, 2023
Hope @alfonso_ribeiro @juliannehough @misterhough @MiraSorvino @alydenisof & @jason_mraz do the right thing and refuse to cross our picket line. #WGAStrong pic.twitter.com/F4NK2zYrQX
Fans Were Surprised to Learn the News
On Sunday, a fan shared Slack’s thread about DWTS being WGA-covered on Reddit. Fans expressed their surprise over the news. Slack called it “a confusing situation,” emphasizing that the DWTS celebrities might have been unaware of the issue.
He explained that “appearing on this show is okay with SAG-AFTRA (different contract) but not with the WGA.” Slack added of DWTS, “The producers probably told them they can do this without breaking any rules.”
We’ll have to wait and see if any of this season’s cast members (or the judges and hosts) choose to step away from the competition. As of right now, the Season 32 premiere is scheduled to air on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesday, September 26.
