McConaughey grieves for Texas town
Actor Matthew McConaughey, who was born in Uvalde, Texas, spoke out Tuesday on an elementary school shooting in his hometown that killed two teachers and 19 children.
In a statement, McConaughey offered his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and urged Americans to take action “so that no parent has to experience what parents in Uvalde and the others before them have endured.”
On Tuesday, a gunman barricaded himself inside and opened fire on a fourth grade classroom at Robb Elementary School.
“As you are all aware there was another mass shooting today, this time in my hometown of Uvalde, Texas,” McConaughey wrote in a message posted on social media. “Once again, we have tragically proven that we are failing to be responsible for the rights our freedoms grant us. The true call to action now is for every American to take a longer and deeper look in the mirror, and ask ourselves, ‘What is it that we truly value? How do we repair the problem? What small sacrifices can we individually take today, to preserve a healthier and safer nation, state, and neighborhood tomorrow?’ ”
McConaughey is one of many public figures who lamented the tragedy in Uvalde, as well as other massacres — including the recent shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Laguna Woods, California — that preceded it. Among the entertainment luminaries who reacted are Taylor Swift, Simu Liu, Quinta Brunson, Rachel Zegler, Amanda Gorman, Mario Lopez and Olivia Rodrigo.
“This is an epidemic we can control, and whichever side of the aisle we may stand on, we all know
we can do better. We must do better,” McConaughey said. “Action must be taken ... And to those who dropped off their loved ones today not knowing it was goodbye, no words can comprehend or heal your loss, but if prayers can provide comfort, we will keep them coming.”
Also in wake of Texas shooting:
CBS pulled the season finale of “FBI” after the elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
The network said Tuesday that it would not air the show’s season four finale, “Prodigal Son.”
The storyline involved a suspected student’s participation in a deadly robbery. It’s unclear whether the episode will air in the future.
Meanwhile, Apple TV+ canceled a red carpet event for season two of its show “Physical,” which stars Rose Byrne, because of the shooting.
Tyler enters treatment:
Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has voluntarily entered a rehabilitation program, forcing the band to cancel the
first portion of its Las Vegas residency. Tyler,
74, has made no secret of his lifelong struggle with substance abuse disorder.
“Our beloved brother Steven has worked on his sobriety for many years,” the band posted on social media on Tuesday. “After foot surgery to prepare for the stage and the necessity of pain management during the process, he has recently relapsed and voluntarily entered a treatment program to concentrate on his health and recovery.”
The band’s June and July shows in Las Vegas have been canceled, and the goal is to start performing again in September, the band posted.
May 26 birthdays: Sportscaster Brent Musburger is
83. Singer Stevie Nicks is
74. Actor Philip Michael Thomas is 73. Actor Pam Grier is 73. Singer Hank Williams Jr. is 73. Actor Genie Francis is 60. Comedian Bobcat Goldthwait is
60. Singer Lenny Kravitz is
58. Actor Helena Bonham Carter is 56. Actor Matt Stone is 51. Singer Lauryn Hill is 47.