Lizzo And Live Nation Pledge $1 Million To Planned Parenthood In Response To The Overturn Of Roe V. Wade
For the small subset of readers who have been in a coma since 1973 and have awkwardly stumbled onto this site while trying to use the new-fangled “internet,” I have bad news for you: Roe v. Wade has been overturned. In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court concluded that the Roe v. Wade outcome was actually a big oopsie and summarily struck down federal protections for abortion access. They then presumably went out for a big meal after a hard day’s work of steadily eliminating constitutional rights. Understandably, millions of Americans are pissed (this is likely an understatement). In response to the issue, some people are taking action. No, not legislators. It’s Lizzo! She announced that she’ll be donating $500,000 to Planned Parenthood and Abortion Rights. It’s better than reading a poem!
Although there was a leak in May about the decision, many were hoping against hope that it wouldn’t come to pass. Turns out June is actually the cruelest month because as of yesterday, we’re officially living in Jerry Falwell’s America! Loads of celebrities have spoken out against the ruling, from Taytay to Mimi to Danny Devito. Lizzo took her pronouncement of displeasure a step further and is pledging money from her upcoming tour. Via Uproxx:
Lizzo is one of several artists who have spoken out against the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Ahead of her upcoming tour in support of her upcoming second major-label album, Special, the “About Damn Time” rapper is teaming up with Live Nation to donate a portion of the sales from her tour to Planned Parenthood.
“I’m pledging $500k from my upcoming tour to Planned Parenthood and Abortion Rights,” she said in an Instagram post. “Live Nation agreed to match— to make it 1 MILLION dollars.”
Lizzo continued, emphasizing the importance of remaining vocal and providing funds to organizations aimed toward helping people affected by today’s ruling, including Planned Parenthood and the National Network Of Abortion Funds.
Here’s her Instagram message declaring her support:
Both Lizzo and Live Nation have had some controversy in recent history. Last week, Lizzo got a bit of heat for unknowingly using an ableist slur in her new song “Grrrls.” She apologized and quickly released a new version without the word. Lizzo appears to listen to criticism, so I think we can take her message of support for Planned Parenthood at face value. Live Nation, on the other hand, has been a bit sketchy. Last year, the company was involved in the fallout from the tragic Astroworld Tour and may have tried to cover its tracks when it came to responsibility. Hopefully, this pledge to match Lizzo’s donation is a sign that they’ve turned over a new leaf. Live Nation has also stated that they plan to cover travel expenses for employees who need women’s healthcare outside their home state and will cover bail for any employee arrested for protesting peacefully.
I hope we start pivoting to good news in the near future because I think “global downward trajectory” is not a direction anyone wants!
Pic: INSTARImages