“Riverdale” star K.J. Apa is opening up about his recent car accident that made headlines and sparked an investigation by Hollywood union SAG-AFTRA.
Apa told Esquire that he is to blame for the late-night crash that took place Sept. 14 as he was driving home from the show’s Vancouver set.
“That was just a one-off accident, and it was a mistake on my part,” Apa said. “I should have pulled over and gone to sleep instead of battling my way home. But I learned from it. It was a blessing in disguise. I came out unscathed, and I thank God that I’m OK — it could have been a lot worse.”
The 20-year-old New Zealand native was not injured in the crash, and it led to a discussion about whether the show should alter its shooting schedule. At the time, Warner Bros. said that Apa had “repeatedly” been informed that he could get a ride home if he needed one.
“The schedule didn’t change,” Apa pointed out. “It’s still a requirement for the actors to drive to work, which is fair enough. The crew works longer than we do, and they have to drive back and forth to work every day.”
He said that the accident “puts things in perspective” and is a reminder for actors to not get behind the wheel if they’re tired.
“I was really lucky the production was there for me and helped me the whole way, which made me feel looked after,” he added.
“Riverdale” airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.