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Lewis Hamilton, CNN anchor Don Lemon call out people for silence on George Floyd killing

F1 racing star Lewis Hamilton & news anchor Don Lemon slam celebrities who care more about their brand & reputation than about human rights.

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New Delhi: CNN anchor Don Lemon and Formula One racing champion Lewis Hamilton have called out celebrities and other influential people for not speaking up against the killing of George Floyd.

Floyd, 46, an unarmed African-American who was arrested for using a counterfeit $20 note at a local deli, died after a US police officer knelt on his neck until he could no longer breathe. His death has triggered massive protests across the US, many of which have turned violent.

Six-time Formula One racing champion Lewis Hamilton criticised the racing fraternity for its silence on the incident. In an Instagram story shared Sunday, Hamilton called racing a “white dominated sport” and said he being one of the only people of colour in the sport is alone in raising his voice.

“I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest of stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice,” wrote Hamilton.

He added that he does “not stand with people looting and burning buildings but those who are protesting peacefully”. He wrote, “We are not born with racism and hate in our hearts, it is taught by those we look up to.”

CNN anchor Don Lemon also called out Hollywood celebrities for “sitting in their mansions and doing nothing”.

During a live broadcast Saturday night, Lemon asked: “Where are you? Why aren’t you fighting for these young people? If you don’t do it now, when are you going to do it? When the hell are you going to do it?”

He added, “I would love to hear from some Republican leaders as well, please call and talk to me. I want to hear what the President has to say.”

Lemon said when he asked some of his celebrity friends to appear on his show to discuss politics, they refused for fear of hurting their reputation. “People who have made it… Many of them are people of colour…wealthy celebrities say ‘I can’t do it. I’m mad. I don’t want people to see me mad. It might hurt my business. I’m so upset that I had to go to my country house,’” he railed.

“Step up people, step up black Hollywood,” he urged.

Many celebrities such as Beyonce, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, Emily Ratajkwoski and Justin Beiber have been speaking up in support of those who have been victims of racism and police brutality. Ariana Grande, Cardi B, Lady Gaga and others also shared posts on social media to demand justice for Floyd.


Also read: Indians who support Kapil Mishra are saying #BlackLivesMatter. Let that sink in


 

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