Celebrity1 min(s) read
Published 16:03 04 Jun 2020 GMT
The Rock has released a passionate video calling out President Trump for his leadership of the US through the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of the death of George Floyd.
In an eight-minute-long video posted to Instagram, Dwayne Johnson questioned: "Where are you? Where is our leader? Where are you? Where is our leader at this time? At this time when our country is down on its knees, begging, pleading, hurt, angry, frustrated, in pain, begging and pleading with its arms out just wanting to be heard."
Watch the former professional wrestler turned actor's plea below:
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CA_tVdXnWr1/]]
In the video, the actor condemned the president's decision to use force on peaceful protestors.
He said: "There is military force that has been deployed on our own people. Looters, yes. Criminals, absolutely. But on protesters, who are begging and pleading, our protesters who are in pain? You know, you would be surprised how people in pain would respond when you say to them, 'I care about you.' When you say to them, 'I'm listening to you.'"
The Rock then concluded his video, which has been viewed over eight million times at the time of writing, by saying: "As we continue to wait for that leader to emerge, I would recommend to all of you that we must become the leaders we are looking for. We become our own leaders because we're doing it now. We're doing it now. We must become the leaders we are looking for."
This comes just days after NBA stars called out President Donald Trump for his 'cowardly' response to the protests on social media.
One of the most vocal NBA stars on the issue has been Australian basketball star, Ben Simmons, who posted a series of tweets slamming the president's response and calling for a change of direction.
[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/BenSimmons25/status/1267676265592602632]]
Simmons tweeted on Tuesday: "This is not what a leader looks like. His actions and cold words are cowardly. Do not allow these messages of hate and divide draw your attention away from the REAL goal of UNITY and EQUALITY which is achieved through LOVE and COMPASSION.
"Let me be clear. I will ALWAYS fight for equality and unity. If you call yourself a fan of me but do not agree with EQUALITY and UNITY for everyone then I don't want or need you in my corner."
[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/BenSimmons25/status/1266553777110343680]]
He continued: "We are ALL accountable & we shouldn’t have to revisit tragedies like George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery time & time again. Enough is enough."
Simmons also posted a picture of himself wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with Floyd's last words: "I can't breathe."
Similarly, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has slammed President Trump, describing him as a "deranged idiot".
In an interview with The Nation, Popovich said Trump's response to the riots made the him a "coward".
"He's not just divisive. He's a destroyer,” Popovich said. "To be in his presence, makes you die. He will eat you alive for his own purposes.
"I'm appalled that we have a leader who can't say, 'Black lives matter.' That's why he hides in the White House basement. He is a coward. He creates a situation and runs away like a grade-schooler. Actually, I think it's best to ignore him. There is nothing he can do to make this better because of who he is; a deranged idiot."
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr also mocked the Trump for holding up a Bible outside a local church.
[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/SteveKerr/status/1267661124951916545]]
This comes after Anonymous tweeted President Trump last night calling for his resignation.
VT proudly supports Black Lives Matter, and for ways to contribute to the cause, please click HERE.
