Why Priyanka got trolled
Show aims to pit global activists against each other to make the world a better place
In an attempt to heal the world and make it a better place, global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas, singer Usher and actress Julianne Hough have drawn the wrath of people around the world over the premise of a new reality show the trio will co-host.
To sum up, The Activist is a reality show that will feature the rich and famous who will pit global activists against each other to raise funds for a cause and, er, help the planet in the process. The main goal is for competitors to get the chance to present their cause at the G20 Summit in Rome. What could possibly go wrong?
Lots apparently if the social media backlash is anything to go by. The show, which is spearheaded by CBS, Global Citizen and Live Nation, will feature Usher as the host, with Chopra Jonas and Hough on co-hosting duties, who will collectively encourage six activist contestants to compete against each other “to bring meaningful change to one of three urgent universal causes: health, education and the environment” .
Some of the questions burning up Twitter are, “Who asked for this?” and, “Couldn’t the money being spent on paying the stars be used to actually help genuine causes?”
One of the celebrities championing against the show is TV actress and future Marvel star Jameela Jamil. “Couldn’t they just give the money it’s going to take to pay this UNBELIEVABLY expensive talent and make this show, directly to activist causes? Rather than turning activism into a game and then giving a fraction of the much needed money away in a “prize…?” People are dying,” she tweeted.
Following the backlash, Global Citizen did defend their stance through a statement issued to Deadline.
“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 for the group said. “This is not a reality show to trivialise 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.”