It is football season and what is everyone talking about? What cameos can we expect in upcoming Super Bowl commercials?!
Well, we already know one celebrity who will not be appearing in any ads on February 3, 2019: Amy Schumer.
The Golden Globe-nominated comedian, who previously appeared in a 2016 ad for Anheuser-Busch alongside Seth Rogen for that year’s big game, revealed her refusal to participate in any further ads on her Instagram, citing a strongly worded explanation for why:
Schumer’s protest follows the recent decision of singer Rihanna (whom Schumer mentions in her above post under Instagram handle @badgalriri) to drop out as the headliner of the next halftime show in support of Colin Kaepernick. The former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, who is currently a free agent, inspired a peaceful form of boycotting social injustice. Instead of standing during the recitation of the National Anthem before a game, he would take a knee in protest of America’s unequal treatment of people of color. The movement created a stir that not only put the moral and social values of the National Football League in question but also branded Kaepernick as a symbol of anti-patriotism in the eyes of many.
Thus, in a turn of events not unfamiliar to Schumer just for her comedy, some are on her side for the protest, and some are fine with seeing her go.
this is funny but on a real note they’ve lost amy schumer and rihanna in a matter of days. it’s probably about time for the NFL to worry https://t.co/64Jy8yW35B
— ali (@alisonrae22) October 20, 2018
Amy Schumer does ask a damn good question.
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) October 19, 2018
That last tweet brings up quite an interesting topic of discussion. Is using one’s public persona to promote the open expression of their beliefs “misusing their celebrity”? Schumer herself even points out that her refusal to be in a high-profile commercial out of protest of the NFL does come off as an act of privilege. While she is aware of the possible repercussions of her actions, nevertheless, she persists and shows her support for social justice.
But, taking her celebrity into account, should she be allowed to promote this movement, or does fame exclude a citizen from their First Amendment rights?
On the other hand, even some of Schumer’s supporters are skeptical of how crucial an effect this protest could be.
That's true but it'll only harm them if they can't get someone equal or of higher profile for a similar price. I'm not sure it'll make any difference.
— DatNoFact ↗ (@datnofact.bsky.social) (@datnofact) October 20, 2018
So far, Schumer and Rihanna are the most high-profile, show business-based leaders of this protest. As far as we know, pop band Maroon 5 is still gearing up to play the halftime show, despite Schumer’s indirect suggestion to Adam Levine and company to follow suit. Only time will tell if if Schumer’s protest of the NFL (which in turn is a support of Kapaernick’s original protest of racial injustice in America) will inspire her fellow “privileged” peers to vocalize their thoughts on the matter.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Is Schumer a hero for social justice whose act should be celebrated, or should she take her fame elsewhere and take a knee? Let us know in the comments below!