24-hour Call to Unite event tries to inspire world with messages
Director Lee Daniels talked about past drug use and urged people not to give into the temptation to abuse drugs during the coronavirus pandemic, saying, “You are not alone.” Actress Eva Longoria said the pandemic is giving Clinton the world a chance to reset itself, and she praised health care workers for their sacrifices. Leann Rimes sang “There Will Be a Better Day.” The messages were universal and personal Saturday as the Call to Unite livestream, a 24-hour event, stretched into its second day. Former President Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey were among those who participated Friday night, and Quincy Jones, Jennifer Garner, Common and Maria Shriver were also slated to take part in the event, being livestreamed at unite.us and on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Twitch, Linkedin and Siriusxm Stars. Daniels talked about his drug use Winfrey during the AIDS epidemic in the ’80s. He talked about the pain of losing friends to the disease, which he said decimated the African American gay community. And he urged people not to resort to drug use during the current pandemic. “You’re not alone,” he said. “Stay in the moment. Don’t use. Be safe.” Longoria cited the teachings of Gandhi as she urged people to “be the change you want to see in the world.”
“We’re in a moment where we have a chance to reset and start anew,” she said. She praised nurses and doctors especially for risking their lives to save others, and therapists donating services to tend to people’s mental health.
On Friday, Winfrey said she keeps updated with coronavirus news but has often focused her attention more on positive “acts of valor.” The event, organized by Tim Shriver, was launched to help inspire people to endure and overcome the challenges of the pandemic Former President George W. Bush said: “Even at an appropriate social distance, we can find ways to be present in the lives of others to ease their anxiety and share their burdens.”
Clinton delivered the message that “we can get through this together.”
TV critics event canceled due to coronavirus fears
The coronavirus has led to the cancellation of yet another industry staple this year: a summer gathering that brings together TV critics and the makers of upcoming programs.
The Television Critics Association said Friday that the event won’t be held, citing the “current state” of TV production. Measures aimed at limiting the virus’s spread have shut down tapings and brought much of Hollywood to a standstill.
The organization’s board and TV networks that planned to take part in the critics event are exploring “virtual alternatives” to the Q&A panels that make up the summer and winter meetings held annually in Southern California.