CBS is revamping the controversial show ‘The Activist’ amid major backlash.
The show was to feature six activists competing against one another for social media attention for their causes.
Usher, Priyanka Chopra, and Julianne Hough were joining to be the judges.
Critics cited the show as performance activism and not helpful to the causes.
Now, the show will be a documentary special.
Global Citizen, CBS, and Live Nation, who partnered on this project, released the following joint statement:
“The Activist was designed to show a wide audience the passion, long hours, and ingenuity that activists put into changing the world, hopefully inspiring others to do the same. However, it has become apparent the format of the show as announced distracts from the vital work these incredible activists do in their communities every day. The push for global change is not a competition and requires a global effort. As a result, we are changing the format to remove the competitive element and reimagining the concept into a primetime documentary special (air date to be announced). It will showcase the tireless work of six activists and the impact they have advocating for causes they deeply believe in. Each activist will be awarded a cash grant for the organization of their choice, as was planned for the original show. Activists and community leaders around the world work every day, often without fanfare, to advance protections for people, communities, and our planet. We hope that by showcasing their work we will inspire more people to become more involved in addressing the world’s most pressing issues. We look forward to highlighting the mission and lives of each of these incredible people.”
Global Citizen, the actual company that produced the show, issued this apology:
“Global activism centers on collaboration and cooperation not competition. We apologize to the activists, hosts, and larger activist community – we got it wrong. It is our responsibility to use this platform in the most effective way to realize change and elevate the incredible activists dedicating their lives to progress all around the world.”
On Thursday, National Civil Rights Organizer, Tiffany Loftin spoke with Roland Martin about the “insulting” and “terribly dumb stupid idea” that CBS proposed as a new reality show.
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