Normally, we love to keep things light and make sure our readers are entertained. We know that many people love to escape by reading our website and that’s something we understand. We also know that other times, our readers look to our site for that intersection of reality TV and other important news. Recently, our site has covered different aspects of the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition to the global health crisis, there are issues in this country that cannot be ignored. Recently, reality TV stars have been using their platforms to demand justice for George Floyd, a man who was killed on May 25 when a policer officer named Derek Chauvin shoved his knee into his neck. George told him, “Please, the knee in my neck, I can’t breathe.” According to CNN, witness Donald Williams told the policeman, “Officer, he’s not resisting arrest, you have your knee on him and you have handcuffs on him, he’s detained at this moment.’”
Over the weekend, some of your favorite reality TV stars attended protests. Others encouraged people to take action and speak up.
Garcelle Beauvais declared, “SPEAK UP!!!! Enough is ENOUGH!!! I am #unfollowing anyone who is staying silent on their platform! We need everyone to stand up.” She also shared a video with additional comments.
Ariana Madix told her followers, “saying you’re sad or shocked does not cause change. this is infuriating but this isn’t shocking. it’s been happening and will continue to happen unless we come together and push for reform. put action behind the words. the link in my bio is filled with resources, donation links, and petitions. let’s do this. #blacklivesmatter comments are off bc this isn’t a debate.”
Braunwyn Windham-Burke attended a protest and captioned her photo with “#blacklivesmatter.”
Porsha Williams says she and Dennis McKinley have bail money and lawyers on standby for anyone who got arrested while protesting.
Tanya Sam shared a video of Porsha on the news and wrote, “Thank you for your peaceful and powerful voice friend. I am in tears watching the events of tonight in the city that I love. I pray for peace. Justice. And for all the tired and broken hearts and souls tonight.”
Lisa Vanderpump wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic events of the past few days. This is about our shared humanity. Everybody deserves to feel safe in this country. Everybody deserves to feel valued, and heard. Nobody should have to face the fears that so many people face daily. I feel for each and every person who feels marginalized or persecuted in their community. It is not right. I am a big believer in peaceful protests – it is so important to be able to gather and be heard with regards to the causes you believe in. And this cause, and fighting this injustice is so important. The violence and destruction that accompanied some of these protests is heartbreaking, and it’s devastating to see the hate and the hurt that so many people are feeling. ‘Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.’ Enough is enough.
Jennifer Aydin wrote, “It’s a shame that, in this point in time, these tragic and unnecessary acts of discrimination and loss of life are still happening today, especially from people who are supposed to “protect” us. Actually, those particular “officers” don’t even deserve to be called “people”. They are heartless scum. How can we move forward when we have these tragedies constantly sabotaging all the progress we’ve made, taking us backward??? Who’s life lost will make it enough? Yours? Mine? How about George’s? #Enough! Black does not equal threat! Black does not equal danger! Black is the description of the color of skin, not a description of behavior! So Say his name. George Floyd. #justiceforgeorgefloyd #justiceforahmaud #amycooper.”
Katie Maloney posted, “Do not be silent!!! Enough is enough, educate yourselves and your friends and neighbors. #blacklivesmatter.” In another post, she declared, “I stand with you.” In a third post, she said, “It’s time to wake up and be honest. It’s not enough to say you’re not racist. Let’s commit to doing the work to make a change!”
Eva Marcille wrote, “#GeorgeFloyd Matters. His life Matters. The manner in which he died Matters. Say his name, speak truth to power. My heart breaks, literally broken…. another, and another and another…. I’m sick, and I cry for you #georgefloyd.” She also shared, “We can’t remain silent. Make noise, raise your voice #GeorgeFloyd matters. His life matters.”
Bethenny Frankel wrote, “To have so much anger inside of you, to hate another person so passionately because of the color of their skin, means your insides are rotten. There is no limit to the hell that these cowards should experience. The public’s reaction of rage feels proportional to this vile injustice yet not justified. What in life is more important than feeling like a worthy, valuable human being versus dispensable? This is an outrage and I am embarrassed to live in a time and a country where this still exists. This is as much of a global reset and tragedy as is the pandemic. #thisisacrisis.” In another post, she wrote, “Stop racism. Stop hate. Stop violence. #STOP.”
Kim Kardashian posted, “For years, with every horrific murder of an innocent black man, woman, or child, I havw always tried to find the right words to express my condolences and outrage, but the privilege I am afforded by the color of my skin has often left me feeling like this is not a fight that I can truly take on as my own. Not today, not anymore. Like so many of you, I am angry. I am more than angry. I am infuriated and I am disgusted. I am exhausted by the heartbreak I feel seeing mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and children suffering because their loved one was murdered or locked away unjustly for being black. Even though I will never know the pain and suffering they have endured, or what it feels like to try to survive in a world plagued by systemic racism, I know I can use my own voice to help amplify those voices that have been muffled too long. #blacklivesmatter #justiceforgeorgefloyd #justiceforahmaudarberry #justiceforbreonnataylor.”
Dorit Kemsley shared, “We all need to do our part. We must unite for a better America, a safer America, a stronger America where ALL people are created equal. I was taught from a young age to love everyone, regardless of color, ethnicity, race, or sexual orientation. It helps when we have these conversations at home with our children. #EqualRightsForAll #ThisMustStop #EnoughIsEnough.”
Robyn Dixon posted, “I pray justice is served. I really can’t believe that I have to explain something like this to my boys; especially on the heels of #ahmaudarbery and #breonnataylor. We must speak up and take action or else history will keep repeating itself! #icantbreathe #justiceforgeorgefloyd.”
Scheana Marie told her followers, “WE NEED CHANGE. Speaking up isn’t enough. WE NEED ACTIONS. Racism needs to END. I will never know what it feels like to be discriminated against like this, but I have SO many ppl in my life who do experience this and it’s NEVER EVER okay! We are all equal! Please continue to spread the word, donate, sign petitions and help make a CHANGE!!! #BlackLivesMatter
Marlo Hampton shared, “School is out, but the lessons continue. OURstory is not always taught at school, so it’s our job to make sure our young men are aware and educated. This week my boys began doing daily research, writing, learning, and sharing about African American male hate crimes. We will continue to learn all summer about black men who have been victims of hateful crimes, but also about Black Male success stories (because there are many), feel free to drop your suggestions below on people and events that they can do their next research papers on.” In another post, Marlo wrote, “We have to do more than say his name … we need answers and action! This is bigger than a hashtag. Call 612.673.2100 and demand justice for George Floyd. I am praying for his family and friends healing.”
Sutton Stracke posted, “Let’s all be a part of the solution. Go to www.joincampaignzero.com. Donate, Educate, Liberate. –
– A big thank you to my friend @jeffesta for inspiring me to help by donating to this amazing organization. Go check it out now!!”
Kristen Doute wrote, “The point I’m making is that this destruction overshadows the thousands of protesters who took to the streets peacefully for justice and nationwide reform. The fact [that] there is video of white men and women, and others who were not related to the protests who took advantage of the situation to destroy and loot small businesses is shameful. and created even more violence for the young women and men of color who are targets already of law enforcement.”
Kandi Burruss told her followers, “I went out of town & now I look online & see what’s happening in my city. It hurts my heart to see this happening. I know we’re all hurting & we want to see change but please remember that Atlanta is the place that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made his home. Let’s remember the messages that he taught. Peaceful protest, organizing, planning, making sure we vote to get leaders in place that make our nation better for all people is what we have to do. Tearing up our city is not the way. I love y’all! Be safe!”
Denise Richards shared, “My heart aches for his family and loved ones & the devastation seeing a visual they’ll never forget & neither should we #justiceforgeorgefloyd.”
Margaret Josephs posted, “There comes a time when silence is betrayal – Martin Luther King #justiceforgeorgefloyd #georgefloyd.”
Dayna Kathan posted, “like many of you, my heart is heavy today. i recognize my white privilege and know i could never understand the hardships people of color have endured solely because of their skin tone but i will stand as an ally, continue to educate myself, have conversations with friends and family and speak out against systemic racism in this country. if you’re looking for resources on how to help, please visit the link in my bio. #blacklivesmatter #justiceforgeorgefloyd.”
Teddi Mellencamp shared, “My heart aches. None of us should be silent. This man should not be gone. This has to stop. #justiceforgeorgefloyd.”
Beau Clark wrote, “Never Ever EVER Forget. Shocked. Saddened. Angry. Confused. WTF. I have no answers. I don’t know how to change this, but ‘I know when I have kids they will see color and love all of it!’ (Edited because it came off the wrong way) I just want Change. There needs to be change NOW. This can’t keep happening… #blacklivesmatter #unity.”
Tom Sandoval encouraged people to sign the petition and reach out to District Attorney Mike Freeman. Erika Jayne did the same.
TELL US- WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT REALITY STARS USING THEIR PLATFORM TO SPEAK OUT?
[Photo Credit: Bravo]