As thousands took to the streets around the nation over the weekend to protest the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody last week, a number of reality show stars have spoken their minds on the issue via social media.
American Idol season 8 alum Adam Lambert called out some of his own followers on social media after he posted a meme on his Instagram that stated “I Will Not Tell Black Folks How to Feel Protest or Mourn”:
#blacklivesmatter #policebrutality I’m scanning through the comments on this post and am appalled by the handful of ignorant, right wing, tone deaf comments that snowball into negative arguments. It’s one thing to have an opinion, but there are a few of you that are no longer welcome on my feed. To be clear: I’m not supporting violence and destruction i am supporting the right to be enraged… to refuse to bow down. When it comes to matters of human rights, I refuse to support any opposition. Anyone that responds to BLACK LIVES MATTER w “All lives matter” is an a****le. You should know why that’s problematic by now. If you don’t, quit looking at my posts and educate yourself.
Adam followed up with another Instagram post he insisted that fans who couldn’t accept his message to unfollow him now. He also called out the current occupant of the White House
Unfollow me if u can’t accept this. Please. You’re not welcome. I’ll be blocking…. ALSO. TRUMP IS A COMPLETE JOKE. F*** HIM. I don’t care what political party you associate with, but that man isn’t a leader, he’s a liability, a liar and a cancer on this country’s flag.
And on Twitter, Adam calls out bad cops:
We need to demand full reformation of Law Enforcement training, protocol, and psych screening. There are too many bullies working as police officers. We should demand accountability and legal recourse for breach of conduct. Serve and Protect not Search and Destroy. #BLM
— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) May 29, 2020
I know there ARE good police officers out there, but they are in the best position to demand change within the police force. Please help get rid of the bad cops. Weed them out. #PoliceBrutalityPandemic
— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) May 29, 2020
There’s a distinct difference between an organized protest and chaotic looting/vandalism. We shouldn’t let anarchy discredit the movement. Police: how about you identify those few individuals (many of whom are white) and not punish the protestors? You’re just proving the point.
— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) May 31, 2020
More reality stars share their thoughts on the death of George Floyd, racism, the protests and police brutality:
The amount of ignorance I’m seeing from my own LGBTQ+ and Hispanic community is insane! What is going on?!?! This is the time for all of our community leaders and public figures to band together to make a change!! Speak! Use your platforms, no matter how big or small, for GOOD!
— Stream “Tea Time” ??? (@AdaVox) June 1, 2020
I believe it‘s our responsibility in life to know what is right & wrong & speak for those who’s voices are not heard. Heavy times are happening for a reason, perhaps a spiritual awakening. We need to know what FREEDOM & JUSTICE for ALL really looks & feels like. #blacklivesmatter pic.twitter.com/5Fa56yNnhJ
— Haley Reinhart (@HaleyReinhart) June 1, 2020
I stand with the peaceful protestors. It’s sad that at this day and age we’re still fighting for true equality.
Let’s make a better future for the children of our nation. pic.twitter.com/fKkhQp3dWE— Ricky Duran (@IamRickyDuran) June 1, 2020
I like Presidents who don’t turn out all the lights in the house and hide in the basement. @YourAnonNews #presidentpussy #ColonelBoneSpurs ???? pic.twitter.com/eosShnxEpM
— Constantine Maroulis (@ConstantineM) June 1, 2020
#love pic.twitter.com/p3QHA66De2
— Todd Tilghman (@todd_tilghman) June 1, 2020
It’s 4:20. Some of y’all need to take a few deep tokes of some indica & think about your actions before looting & destroying your community. That doesn’t make you part of the solution. It causes more problems
— DURBIN (@DurbinRock) May 31, 2020
Myself, Heidi, Hunter & Kinzee stood with our community in a PEACEFUL protest today. Our prayers are with everyone out there doing the same. We must not fight Hate with Hate, as we are only as strong as the foundation upon which we stand. #BlackLivesMatter
— DURBIN (@DurbinRock) May 31, 2020
I am upset and have so much to say. And I will do it November 3rd
— Sundance Head (@SundanceHead) June 1, 2020
For cryin out loud this is the year 2020! Can we please learn from our past and finally progress as a nation? Is it too much to ask each and every one of us to just be kind, have empathy, be loving & respectful?? If my 4 & 5 yr old can learn this, so can grown ass men & women!
— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) May 30, 2020
I was just sitting here explaining what the word ‘equality’ means 2 my 5 yr old because she caught me watching the news & she didn’t understand why people were angry/crying. All she sees is someone in pain & she wants 2 help & hug them. Wouldn’t it be nice if adults were as wise.
— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) May 31, 2020
I’ve been at a loss of words for days trying to figure out the right thing to say. I still DON’T. What happened to George Floyd and has happened to countless other black men is absolutely despicable. My heart is so heavy.
— Kat McPhee (@katharinemcphee) May 29, 2020
I am a POC. My husband is a black man. My future children will be black children. I can’t just sit here & not say anything knowing that ppl I love are walking targets. AND NEITHER CAN YOU. USE YOURE VOICE. BE THE CHANGE. BE THAT ALLY.
— Brooke Simpson (@brookesimpson) May 31, 2020
LOVE BLACK PEOPLE AS MUCH AS YOU LOVE THEIR CULTURE. Also remember Jesus was NEVER silent. HE FLIPPED TABLES. #BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForFloyd #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #BLM #JusticeforAhmaudArbery #ICantBreath #BLACKLIVESMATTER
— Brooke Simpson (@brookesimpson) May 31, 2020
This morning I made sure I was registered to vote this year. It's ONE thing we can do to make a difference. I'm tired of the way humans are treating fellow humans like they are less than. These are people with moms, dads, brothers, and sisters. People who love. People with souls.
— Jessica Meuse (@JessMeuse) May 31, 2020
Others see a threat because of the color of their skin. I see strength resilience intelligence and love! Their lives matter and why does anyone get to decide otherwise? My sons, husband, and brother! How do you love God who you haven’t seen but hate your brother you see everyday? pic.twitter.com/P1fZIjBaLw
— Toneisha Harris (@toneishaharris) May 31, 2020
Violent chaos across multiple American cities.
Over 100,000 dead Americans from an ongoing pandemic
40 million unemployed
Our country is in crisis and we have a inept psychopath for a president devoid of the leadership we need in this moment. –@TaraSetmayer #VoteHimOut
— Matt Giraud ? (@ImMattGiraud) May 31, 2020
The terms; Protesters, Rioters, and Outside Agitators are NOT interchangeable. When you speak on what is happening, be accurate. Protesters in SC took the time to do a beautiful thing today. Rioters and Outside agitators just took.
— CammWess (@CammWess) May 31, 2020
The good cops, like those marching with the protestors today instead of hurting them, need to hold these ones accountable and start changing things from the inside of law enforcement. https://t.co/j16ktWWPLm
— a l e x p r e s t o n (@RealAlexPreston) May 31, 2020
— Meghan Linsey (@meghanlinsey) May 30, 2020
Protesting is peaceful & will make a point. How does being destructive, violent and setting fire to small businesses already struggling because of Covid; mostly run by immigrants trying to make an honest living— how does this support your voice being heard for social inequality?
— Didi Benami (@Didibenami) May 31, 2020
Both of these things can be true at the same time. You’re not a left wing extremist because you want to see that cop dead for what he did. You’re also not a nazi if you want people to stop burning down our cities.
— Dalton Rapattoni (@DaltonRapattoni) May 31, 2020
#BLACK_LIVES_MATTER pic.twitter.com/mzu6ZGL1f9
— Cassadee Pope (@CassadeePope) May 30, 2020
acknowledging ur white privilege ? and then using said privilege to cause absolute chaos which u know the black community will take the fall for is … the definition of white privilege
— catie turner (@hashtagcatie) May 30, 2020
Please God, help us through this… We need you ???? https://t.co/FipWUv09Cx
— Pia Toscano (@PiaToscano) May 31, 2020
Watching Seattle, LA.. my cities. I love and grew up in. The looting and destruction of propert by people that have no care in the world for the real issues at hand.. breaks my heart.
— SteFano Langone (@Stefano) May 31, 2020
https://twitter.com/ohjonnywest/status/1267207645259272192?s=20
The injustices and inequality of African Americans has to come to an end. I stand with peaceful protesters across the country. We are here and we matter. My prayers will continue to rise for us. #BlackLivesMatter #GeorgeFloyd #Injustice #America pic.twitter.com/tRuIgZ4FSf
— DeWayne Crocker Jr (@singdewayne) May 30, 2020
we will rise up. All of us. Past this pandemic, past these dark times, past the violence, the injustice, the hurting. We can find the strength and love with each other. ?? https://t.co/rLppFposZ2
— ? K I M M Y G A B R I E L A ? (@GabrielaKimmy) May 29, 2020
I do things every day without fear, because I am privileged, and I am privileged every day because I am white.
Being not racist is not enough, we must be anti racist.
Social change is enacted when a society mobilizes.
I stand in solidarity with all of those protesting. pic.twitter.com/45MSXAWEJl— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) May 30, 2020