After shooting a non-union segment for Estee Lauder cosmetics, the Screen Actors Guild branded Liz Hurley a scab and charged that she has violated the union’s 12-week-long walkout.
SAG, who has been striking in order to force cable advertisers to pay residuals to actors in commercials, rather than a flat-rate pay scale is now investigating Hurley, reported Reuters news Agency.
The segment Hurley shot, as part of her job as the spokesmodel for Estee Lauder may jeopardize her acting future.
However, both Hurley's and Estée Lauder representatives say the British actress had no idea she was violating the strike, according to the Associated Press.
"She was completely unaware of the situation because she doesn't live in this country," said Hurley’s agent Tracey Jacobs. "And she is extremely apologetic about it. Had she known it was struck work, she would have never done it. She is very supportive of her union."
Furthermore, Her lawyer agrees she shouldn't be penalized for her slip-up. "I don't think there should be [any punishment]. She's innocent here," says attorney Warren Plotkin. "She relied on the agency to comply with union regulations, as before," he added, according to E-online.
SAG is investigating Hurley's claim of innocence. But if found guilty, the actress could be suspended, fined, and even expelled from the actors' union, meaning that she'd never work in Hollywood again.
"Without [union membership], her chances of starring in another Hollywood movie are nil," SAG representative Greg Krizman explained to Fashion Wire Daily. However, he added that Hurley's apology may help her case when it's reviewed by the guild's trial board system.
Meanwhile, there is a twist to the story, Kim Cornell, spokesperson for Estée Lauder, added another twist to the situation. She says the company didn't fill out a SAG agreement because the commercials, which were made to launch Lauders new fragrance, Intuition, will not air on US television.
Hurley cannot ask the cosmetics empire to suspend the ads, either; she's contractually bound as their face.
Talks between SAG and advertisers are scheduled to resume for the first time since April 14 this Thursday in New York—albawaba.com (various sources).
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
