BTS just took their support of the Black Lives Matter movement a step further. Days after releasing a public statement in support of the movement, it was revealed that BTS and Big Hit Entertainment donated $1 million to Black Lives Matter.
BTS released a statement supporting Black Lives Matter
After George Floyd, an unarmed black man, died in police custody in Minnesota on May 25, protests broke out around the world as people condemned police brutality and racism. Over the following weeks, a number of celebrity figures raised awareness for Black Lives Matter on their social media platforms, donated to cause, and joined activists at protests.
On June 4, BTS tweeted a statement in Korean and English supporting Black Lives Matter.
“We stand against racial discrimination. We condemn violence. You, I and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together. #BlackLivesMatter,” BTS tweeted.
RELATED: The Members of BTS Announce Their Support of the Black Lives Matter Movement
BTS and Big Hit Entertainment donated to Black Lives Matter
After BTS tweeted in support of Black Lives Matter, Korean media reported that BTS was in the process of making donations to organizations involved with the movement.
“We are in the process of making a donation, although we are still in the process of sending money, and we are still unable to reveal the donor and the amount of money,” Big Hit Entertainment said in a statement.
On June 6, Variety confirmed that Big Hit Entertainment and BTS donated $1 million to Black Lives Matter.
“The donation was transferred earlier this week, with Black Lives Matter confirming receipt to Big Hit on Friday. BTS and Big Hit are not expected to comment on the donation; a rep for Black Lives Matter did not immediately respond to Variety’s request for comment,” Variety reported.
The group will appear on YouTube’s ‘Dear Class of 2020’
On June 7, BTS will be commencement speakers and perform for YouTube’s Dear Class of 2020. President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Robert M. Gates, Sundar Pichai, Condoleezza Rice, Malala Yousafzai, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyoncé are some of the other public figures scheduled to make appearances.
“Graduation is a tradition that students and families look forward to and with the current state of the world, YouTube is lending some inspiration in the form of a virtual commencement. We hope bringing together noteworthy, influential speakers along with performances from some of their favorite artists will provide encouragement for the students who have worked so hard to get here,” said Susanne Daniels, global head of content for YouTube, about the graduation special.
In a video message, YouTube announced that Dear Class of 2020 was filmed before the recent Black Lives Matter protests began.
“This was filmed before the protests demanding justice for Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd,” YouTube wrote. “We hope it can still serve as inspiration for the Class of 2020.”
For Dear Class of 2020, BTS will deliver a commencement address, and the members will perform for a virtual graduation after-party. Viewers can watch the festival-type ceremony on the YouTube Originals channel and YouTube’s Learn@Home site.
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