Patrick J. Adams Apologizes for Meghan Markle 'Suits' Photos Shared During SAG-AFTRA Strike

Patrick J. Adams Caught in SAG-AFTRA Strike Mix-Up

There aren’t many TV shows that find a second life years after they end, but Suits is the rare exception. While streaming bingers have discovered old episodes, one of the show's biggest stars, Patrick J. Adams, unexpectedly sparked a fresh controversy. On September 28, 2023, he took to Instagram and posted a handful of behind-the-scenes snaps from the 'Suits' set, including some with his well-known former co-star, Meghan Markle, who’s now known around the world as the Duchess of Sussex.

The nostalgic move, though, backfired almost instantly. Adams shared candid images of Markle both relaxing on set and goofing around under an umbrella, triggering a real-time reminder from fans and colleagues: SAG-AFTRA, the powerful actors’ union, had strict strike rules in place that forbid any sort of promotion for projects under negotiation, known as 'struck' work. At the time, Hollywood actors were locked in a fierce battle over pay, streaming residuals, and rights, making the promotion of past projects like 'Suits' strictly off-limits for union members.

'Embarrassing Oversight' and Quick Response

Adams wasted little time issuing a public apology. In a direct Instagram Story statement, he admitted he’d overlooked the union’s rules, describing it as an 'embarrassing oversight.' He explained he was simply feeling nostalgic and acted without thinking during a stressful time for the industry. Those four throwback posts disappeared as quickly as they appeared, pulled down as the actor realized just how much of a misstep he’d made during the high-tension strike period.

Union guidelines during the strike were clear—no actor was to promote struck projects, new or old, in any way, including social media. SAG-AFTRA’s own published FAQ spells that out, leaving little room for interpretation. The union’s members, as part of a coordinated effort, avoided interviews, appearances, and even social posts tied to their work.

Adams made sure to thank everyone who reached out to point out the error quickly and used his apology as a signal of his ongoing support for his fellow actors’ fight. He told followers he’s still behind the union as it pushes for fairer pay and better protections, an issue that’s particularly hot in an industry grappling with the impacts of streaming, changing viewing habits, and the use of AI.

The incident touches on the tricky balance actors have to maintain between career nostalgia and current labor fights. While fans might have loved his throwback photos, labor rules are strict for a reason—solidarity during contract battles is seen as critical, even if that means missing out on some fun set memories.