SAG-AFTRA to Investigate ‘Riverdale’ Set After Star KJ Apa’s Car Accident

“We are deeply concerned about the safety of performers on the ‘Riverdale’ set,” union rep tells TheWrap

Riverdale Archie
CW

Hollywood union SAG-AFTRA is dispatching a team to Canada to investigate working conditions for performers on the set of The CW’s “Riverdale.”

The guild, led by president Gabrielle Carteris, said it was “deeply concerned” about the safety of the series’ actors after star K.J. Apa suffered a car accident following a long work day.

“This is an extremely troubling situation and we are deeply concerned about the safety of performers on the ‘Riverdale’ set,” a SAG-AFTRA spokesperson told TheWrap.

“We are sending a team to Vancouver to review the circumstances surrounding safety issues affecting performers on this production. We have no further comment at this time.”

Representatives for the network and show producer Warner Bros. Television did not immediately return TheWrap’s request for comment.

Apa plays the lead in the hyper-sexualized, murderous take on the wholesome Archie comics. The actor was involved in a single-car crash last week that left him with a minor injury after a long work day. Warner Bros TV says he worked just over 14 hours.

The studio was quick to say the production adhered to union rules and offered Apa a hotel room and a ride home so he wouldn’t need to drive 45 minutes to his residence.

Apa has since returned to work on the second season of the hit show.

“K.J. has repeatedly been informed about making production aware if he is tired or feels unsafe, and if so, either a ride or hotel room will be provided for him,” WB said in its initial statement after the crash.

“We have a large cast of series regulars, and our actors do not work every day. On the day of the accident, KJ worked 14.2 hours. The previous day he worked 2.5 hours, and the day before that he worked 7.7 hours,” the statement continued.

“KJ has repeatedly been informed about making production aware if he is tired or feels unsafe, and if so, either a ride or hotel room will be provided for him,” the studio concluded.

Ryan Gajewski contributed to this report.

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