Riverdale star KJ Apa was involved in a car accident last week after working a 16 hr shift. Apa fell asleep at the wheel striking a light pole while on his 45 minute drive home.
The accident has sparked outrage from fans. Many feel that when working late nights on a show transportation should be provided.
The Hollywood Reporter says, SAG-AFTRA announced Thursday afternoon that the union would investigate the set in Vancouver following the dangerous crash. “This is an extremely troubling situation and we are deeply concerned about the safety of performers on the Riverdale set,” the statement read. “We are sending a team to Vancouver to review the circumstances surrounding safety issues affecting performers on this production.”
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Warner Bros. gave the following statement to UsWeekly, “The safety of the cast and crew on all of our productions is of paramount importance to the Studio. Productions adhere to the Screen Actors Guild–mandated turnaround time of 12 hours from wrap time to next day call time for cast members. In accordance with industry standard policy, if any cast or crew member feels tired or unsafe at any time after working, the Studio will provide a taxi, a driver or a hotel room upon request. This is communicated to all cast and crew, both in writing and verbally, at the beginning of production and is reiterated continuously throughout the duration of production.”
Apa wasn’t seriously injured, but the damage to his car is irreparable.
“First and foremost, we are extremely grateful that KJ Apa was uninjured during his recent accident” said Warner Bros. “Secondarily, we want to specifically address the characterization that conditions on the set of Riverdale are of concern. 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. 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 accident occurred last Thursday. Additionally, it is untrue that KJ was taken to the hospital. He was treated by first responders on the scene and released by them. We also sent a doctor to his home later that same day for a follow-up to confirm his well-being.”
The second season of Riverdale premieres October 11th on CW
