BET is among a growing number of Hollywood power players expressing support for the Black Lives Matter movement after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
“The assault on our communities through lethal racism must end now,” BET said in a statement Sunday. “Each and every American has a responsibility to speak out against it — and most importantly, to act on it. ”
Stay vigilant. Stay safe. ????#BlackLivesMatterhttps://t.co/oqkIRyuoFb pic.twitter.com/q6VyLVP4Hl
— BET (@BET) May 31, 2020
In what is arguably an unprecedented move, Netflix, HBO, Amazon, Hulu and YouTube were among Hollywood companies to either issue statements or use their social media accounts to make it clear they stand with the Black Lives Matter movement amid nationwide protests after George Floyd’s death at the hands of officer Derek Chauvin.
“To be silent is to be complicit. Black lives matter. We have a platform, and we have a duty to our Black members, employees, creators and talent to speak up,” said Netflix.
To be silent is to be complicit.
Black lives matter.We have a platform, and we have a duty to our Black members, employees, creators and talent to speak up.
— Netflix (@netflix) May 30, 2020
HBO quoted James Baldwin and added, “We stand with our Black colleagues, employees, fans, actors, storytellers — and all affected by senseless violence. #BlackLivesMatter”
“Neither love nor terror makes one blind: indifference makes one blind.” — James Baldwin
We stand with our Black colleagues, employees, fans, actors, storytellers — and all affected by senseless violence. #BlackLivesMatter
— HBO (@HBO) May 31, 2020
Streamer Hulu, which is owned by Disney, posted a statement on Instagram and Twitter, saying: “We support Black lives. Today, and every day. You are seen. You are heard. And we are with you.”
We support Black lives. Today, and every day. You are seen. You are heard. And we are with you.
— Hulu (@hulu) May 31, 2020
Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger issued a joint statement with CEO Bob Chapek and Chief Diversity Officer Latondra Newton, saying: “We intend to focus our efforts and resources to compassionately and constructively talk about these matters openly and honestly as we seek solutions.”
Below is a link to a statement we sent to our fellow @Disney employees. It's from Bob Chapek, our CEO, Latondra Newton, our Chief Diversity Officer, and me.
Thank you.https://t.co/R6ucJhv26p— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) May 31, 2020
YouTube denounced racism, and pledged to donate $1 million toward efforts to address social injustice.
We stand in solidarity against racism and violence. When members of our community hurt, we all hurt. We’re pledging $1M in support of efforts to address social injustice.
— YouTube (@YouTube) May 30, 2020
Meanwhile, Amazon Studios said in a statement: “Together we stand with the Black community – colleagues, artists, writers, storytellers, producers, our viewers – and all allies in the fight against racism and injustice. #BlackLivesMatter.”
— Amazon Studios (@AmazonStudios) May 31, 2020
BET in its statement urged viewers to sign a Color of Change petition to demand accountability for those who have taken Black lives.
The network also provided information on how to donate to organizations working to secure the safety and freedom of Black lives, including Black Voters Matter, Campaign Zero, Color Of Change, LDF, Movement For Black Lives, the NAACP, National Action Network, National Black Justice Coalition and the National Urban League.
