Celebrities Create 'Take Responsibility' Racism PSA, Resulting in Backlash

Stars are coming together to “take responsibility” for racism – but not everyone is impressed with their call to action.

The video, made in partnership with the NAACP, features stars like Kristen Bell, Aaron Paul and Debra Messing speaking about white privilege and taking responsibility to call out racism.

“I take responsibility for every unchecked moment, for every time it was easier to ignore than to call it out for what it was. Every not-so-funny joke. Every unfair stereotype. Every blatant injustice no matter how big or small. Every time I remained silent. Every time I explained away police brutality or turned a blind eye. I take responsibility. Black people are being slaughtered in the streets. Killed in their own homes. These are our brothers and sisters. Our friends. Our family. We are done watching them die. We are no longer bystanders; we will not be idle. Enough is enough,” they say.

“Confluential Films and the NAACP have partnered to launch the impact-oriented campaign, I Take Responsibility, where influential voices from the white community take responsibility for turning the racist tide in America. #itakeresponsibility itakeresponsibility.org,” the video’s description reads.

While some have appreciated the message of the video, others compared it to the widely criticized “Imagine” celebrity singalong video amid the pandemic, criticizing it as an empty display of performative allyship amid global protests condemning racism. Others also mocked their behavior in the videos, comparing it to an audition for a role.

Here are Black Lives Matter resources to help support the cause.

Watch the video and see reactions inside…