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. Apa had just completed 16 hours of acting on the set of the popular teenage drama.
The young actor, 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.
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.
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.
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.
