Actors Union Threatens 'Liz & Dick' Over Working Conditions, But Producer Says Union Found No Problem
Actors union SAG-AFTRA has apparently brought down the hammer on the Lifetime movie Liz & Dick, stating that applicable penalties will be paid by the production if due, in the wake of reports over the weekend that star Lindsay Lohan suffered from exhaustion and dehydration from overwork and that two crewmembers went to the hospital for the same reason.
PHOTOS: Lifetime's 'Liz & Dick': New Images of Lindsay Lohan, Grant Bowler
However, producer Larry Thompson painted a different picture in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, saying that An AFTRA rep visited us on the set late yesterday afternoon and was TOTALLY fine with everything.
In contrast, the union said in a statement, We have thoroughly investigated this matter and our business representatives have visited, and will continue to visit, the set of Liz & Dick. We have spoken with representatives from the company and they are fully aware of their contractual obligations.
The union added, We will ensure that all applicable penalties will be paid. A spokeswoman clarified that the union was not, at least at this time, asserting publicly that penalties are in fact due.
Thompsons statement also addressed the basis for SAG-AFTRAs involvement: I asked her (i.e., the union representative) specifically had they received any complaints from any AFTRA member and she said no, but their curiosity and desire to inquire was prompted by tweets and comments in the media.
STORY: Unions Investigating 'Liz & Dick' After Lindsay Lohan, Crew Allegedly Overworked (Exclusive)
THR first reported on the investigations by SAG-AFTRA and the crew union, IATSE, on Tuesday.
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Email: jhandel@att.net
Twitter: @jhandel