Fact Check: "UK actors union Equity praised SAG-AFTRA members for their efforts after the announcement of the tentative agreement, highlighting their protest outside the BAFTA Games Awards in April 2025."
What We Know
The claim suggests that the UK actors' union Equity praised SAG-AFTRA members specifically for their protest outside the BAFTA Games Awards in April 2025. However, the statements from Equity primarily focus on applauding SAG-AFTRA for their "tenacity and persistence" during a lengthy strike and the subsequent tentative agreement reached with video game companies. Equity's assistant general secretary, John Barclay, emphasized the need for negotiations for UK performers and did not specifically mention the BAFTA protest as a reason for their praise (Eurogamer, Equity).
Moreover, while it is true that Equity members protested outside the BAFTA Games Awards in April 2025, the protest was aimed at improving conditions for performers in the UK games industry and was not directly linked to the SAG-AFTRA agreement or their efforts (Game Developer, Eurogamer). The protest called for better pay and working conditions, as well as protections against AI misuse, which are ongoing issues for performers in the UK (Sky News).
Analysis
The claim in question misrepresents the context and focus of Equity's statements regarding SAG-AFTRA. While Equity did express support for SAG-AFTRA's achievements, the specific mention of the BAFTA protest as a highlight of their praise is misleading. The protest was a separate event aimed at advocating for UK performers and was not framed as a direct response to SAG-AFTRA's actions.
Equity's statements were made in light of the tentative agreement reached by SAG-AFTRA after a year-long strike, which was primarily about securing protections for performers, especially concerning AI (Variety). The emphasis from Equity was on solidarity and the need for similar protections for UK performers, rather than a direct acknowledgment of the protest at the BAFTAs as a contributing factor to SAG-AFTRA's success.
The sources used to support the claim do not provide evidence that Equity's praise was specifically linked to the BAFTA protest. Instead, they highlight a broader context of support for SAG-AFTRA's efforts during the strike and a call for negotiations for UK performers (Eurogamer, Equity, Sky News).
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that the UK actors' union Equity praised SAG-AFTRA members specifically for their protest outside the BAFTA Games Awards in April 2025 is false. While Equity did commend SAG-AFTRA for their efforts during the strike, the protest was not highlighted as a reason for this praise. Instead, the focus was on the need for negotiations for UK performers and the broader context of solidarity with SAG-AFTRA's achievements.
Sources
- UK actor's union Equity applauds "tenacity and persistence" of SAG ...
- Equity applauds SAG-AFTRA video games breakthrough
- Actors union protests outside BAFTAs to call for better working ...
- Video game actor strike ends in US - Sky News
- SAG-AFTRA and Video Game Companies Reach Tentative New Deal
- Actors union stages BAFTAs protest, seeking improved conditions for ...
- US actors union suspends year-long video game strike ...
- UK actor's union Equity applauds "tenacity and persistence ...