KJ Apa, the lead actor on The CW’s Riverdale, was involved in a car accident last week after driving home past midnight, following an especially grueling work day.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Apa had just completed 16 hours of acting on the set of the popular teenage drama.
Apa, who portrays Archie Andrews on the series, fell asleep behind the wheel and was fortunate to escape from the crash without serious injury.
But his car was apparently destroyed after it hit a light pole.
The incident has stirred up a significant amount of controversy, given that actors on Riverdale often work these kinds of shifts and are NOT provided with transportation home afterward.
SAG-AFTRA announced yesterday afternoon that the union would investigate the set in Vancouver after this 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.”
A call between reps for the actors and Warner Bros. executives is scheduled for Friday, meanwhile.
In a statement to Us Weekly, Warner Bros. has said the following:
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.
While the sides work out this important issue, Apa’s Riverdale co-stars have taken to social media with evidence that their friend is doing okay.
Camila Mendes, who plays the Veronica Lodge to his Archie, shared an Instagram Story pic of her colleague resting on the ground on Thursday, for example.
“U good?” she wrote along with it.
And Cole Sprouse – who decided at the last second against sharing a ride home with Apa on the night of his crash – posted a close-up of his pal wearing Jughead’s hat.
You can see that image below.
Concluded Warner Bros.:
“First and foremost, we are extremely grateful that KJ Apa was uninjured during his recent accident.
“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.”
NOTE: Riverdale is really good!
You can follow this link to watch Riverdale online and find out why!