Usher, actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas and dancer Julianne Hough are facing an avalanche of backlash as they prepare to lead a TV show which requires activists to go head-to-head in challenges to promote their causes. Critics are describing the show concept's as a mockery and an insult to activists who are doing real work for their communities.
The Activist, which features six activists teaming up with the three public figures, is scheduled to run for five weeks on CBS starting in October, Deadline reports. The contestants aim to advance to the G20 Summit in Rome, where they will meet with world leaders to secure funding and awareness for causes such as health, education and environment.
But they have to first prove themselves on The Activist stage, using social media metrics and input from the hosts to show that their cause is worth more than the others.
The show is now being criticized for funneling activism into entertainment.
they’ve turned activism…. into a game show?
— sam???? (@thesammg) September 9, 2021
— phibby briges (@moonchiqin) September 9, 2021
they gonna be like "in my hands i have one photo, AIDS or Women's Equality" pic.twitter.com/5L5WXWbvZG
— you (@bidetboii) September 9, 2021
Some have a few choice words for the new series.
What the fuck
— Thor Benson (@thor_benson) September 9, 2021
Celebrities will literally create The Hunger Games instead of talk about a billionaire tax
— Colt T. McCree (@Dr4gonD4ddy) September 9, 2021
Global Citizen, the organization producing the show, released a statement responding to the backlash.
“The Activist spotlights individuals who’ve made it their life’s work to change the world for the better, as well as the incredible and often challenging work they do on the ground in their communities,” a spokesperson said. “This is not a reality show to trivialize activism. On the contrary, our aim is to support activists everywhere, show the ingenuity and dedication they put into their work, and amplify their causes to an even wider audience.”
