Events Used As A Public Forum

Celebrity events and awards shows are typically used to celebrate a moment in time, recognize and honor talent, or promote a product or cause. Months and months of planning goes into creating the messaging around an event, and teams strategize about who says what and when. There are talking points, scripts, and mock Q&As created so that spokespeople stay on message and say the “right” things.

Well, lately – it hasn’t really gone the way the planners and corporate big wigs have planned. As freedom of speech and equality issues are more prevalent now than they ever have been, celebrities have taken it upon themselves to promote certain issues at events, take a stand, and fight for themselves. After all, it is their right.

We’ve seen and heard people speak on behalf of peace, war, and sexual orientation for years now. But this year, women have found their voice and are fighting for gender equality. Here are some recent events where we’ve seen influential people fight for this cause.

All black at the Golden Globes

Protest doesn’t always come with a long, drawn-out speech or a march in the streets. The majority of women — actresses, producers, writers, and guests — all wore black to the 2018 Golden Globe Awards to protest sexual harassment and raise awareness for Time’s Up, the #metoo initiative that swept the nation to fight sexual misconduct in Hollywood and beyond.

Kesha at the Grammys

This time, protest came in the form of music, a universal language that touches everyone regardless of age, gender, or race. Kesha showed her support for the #MeToo movement as she brought down the house and performed “Praying”. Superstars Camila Cabello, Cyndi Lauper, Julia Michaels, Bebe Rexha and Andra Day joined Kesha for the heartfelt, emotional performance. Kesha had spent recent years enduring a legal battle against her former producer Dr. Luke who allegedly sexually, verbally, and emotionally abused her.

82 at Cannes

Since the start of Cannes in 1946, 1600 male directors have been asked to compete in the film festival. And how many women? Just 82. So this year at Cannes, 82 women from the film industry walked the red carpet in solidarity to make a statement about gender inequality. The demonstration featured speeches and appearances by Kristen Stewart, Cate Blanchett and Salma Hayek.