Inspired by the murder of George Floyd by police late last month, outraged Americans across the country are speaking out against the epidemic of police brutality against Black Americans.
Protests against Floyd's murder have taken place in all 50 states and Democrats in Congress have prepared bills to broadly reform the current systems of policing in the United States.
Celebrities are speaking out as well—some with more sincerity and tact than others.
Dwayne Johnson recently became one of those stepping up to denounce Floyd's murder, and he did so with a gut-wrenching video calling out the inaction and insensitivity of President Donald Trump.
Watch below.
Where are you?#normalizeequality#blacklivesmatter pic.twitter.com/Xid3BC4B2n
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) June 4, 2020
The video lasts eight minutes and 26 seconds—only 20 seconds shorter than the amount of times former police officer Derek Chauvin was knelt on George Floyd's neck.
Johnson says:
"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. Begging and pleading and praying for change."
"Where are you?"
"Where is our compassionate leader who's gonna step up to our country who's down on its knees and extend a hand and say 'You stand up'."
"'Stand up with me. Stand up with me, because I got you. I got you. I got you. I hear you. I'm listening to you, and you have my word that I'm gonna do everything in my power until my dying day, my last breath, to do everything I can to create the change that is needed to normalize equality because Black lives matter'."
"Where are you?"
Johnson went on to urge a leader to emerge who would take into account the pain and frustration felt by the people of the United States.
He urged Americans to become the leaders we lack at the moment.
He concluded:
"The process to change has already begun and you can feel it...you can feel it across our country. Change is happening. It's gonna take time."
"We're gonna get beat up. We're gonna take our lumps. There's gonna be blood, but the process of change has already begun. You guys stay strong. We got this."
People applauded the powerful video.
pic.twitter.com/Y8JHjDxXZq
— Andrew Quinn (@AJQuinn82) June 4, 2020
“We must become the leaders we are looking for"
Love that
— Philip DeFranco (@PhillyD) June 4, 2020
Thank you
— Mega Ran (@MegaRan) June 4, 2020
Glad to see The Rock risk losing "fans" by taking a stand against Trump's cowardice and the militarized-police brutalizing peaceful protestors.
— Jay Jayson (@JayJayson111) June 4, 2020
Some jokingly urged him to run for President.
DWAYNE JOHNSON FOR PRESIDENT!!! U ROCK!!!
— Dreamer (@Angel31906274) June 4, 2020
If I lived in America I'd absolutely want The Rock to run for President.
What a man ❤
— Mark (@WrestlingJebus) June 4, 2020
For the love of God, run for president.#PeoplesPresident
— AJKirsch (@AJKirsch) June 4, 2020
And people predicted an upcoming tweet.
"The Rock was never a good wrestler and his movies suck." -Trump tomorrow morning
— SW - The Latest Wrestling News 🔪 (@SlicedWrestling) June 4, 2020
While supporters of the reality TV star turned President call for entertainers to stay out of politics...
This is why entertainers need to just entertain. The President has been compassionate, he has been making statements for support, HE HAS OFFERED HELP TO GOVERNORS WHO TURN IT DOWN! And if the networks aren't showing it, it's time to switch channels.
— Tina Field Howe (@TinaFieldHowe) June 4, 2020
...others remember that just because someone is an actor or singer or wrestler, they're still voters and citizens.
Just because their voices reach a larger audience doesn't mean they don't have the same rights as anyone in any other profession.
