Ava DuVernay, Common and Other Stars Boycott the Super Bowl in Support of Colin Kaepernick
This year's Super Bowl is facing controversy over the NFL's handling of player protests, with many celebrities boycotting the big game to support former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Kaepernick -- who famously started a peaceful demonstration movement by taking a knee during the National Anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality -- is receiving support from stars on social media using the hashtag #ImWithKap.
The trending tag is an attempt to show their opposition to the way the NFL handled the situation with the 31-year-old football star -- as many believe the league effectively banned him from the game as a result of his protest.
Acclaimed director Ava DuVernay was one of many celebs who took to Twitter on Sunday to share her support for Kaepernick and her disappointment with the NFL, tweeting, "I will not be a spectator, viewer or supporter of the #SuperBowl today in protest of the @NFL’s racist treatment of @Kaepernick7 and its ongoing disregard for the health + well-being of all its players.
"To watch the game is to compromise my beliefs," she added. "It’s not worth it. #ImWithKap."
I will not be a spectator, viewer or supporter of the #SuperBowl today in protest of the @NFL’s racist treatment of @Kaepernick7 and its ongoing disregard for the health + well-being of all its players. To watch the game is to compromise my beliefs. It’s not worth it. #ImWithKappic.twitter.com/fNEeke0crs
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) February 3, 2019
Kaepernick himself responded to DuVernay's tweet with appreciation, writing, "Love you Sister."
Love you Sister @ava ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾 https://t.co/cAhduldiYB
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) February 3, 2019
Meanwhile, Oscar winning singer Common also shared his support, quoting legendary political activist Angela Davis.
"'I'm no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I’m changing the things I cannot accept.' Dr. Angela Davis," Common tweeted, as well as posting two photos of himself with Davis, who wore a Kaepernick jersey personalized with the #ImWithKap tag.
“I’m no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I’m changing the things I cannot accept” Dr. Angela Davis. #ImWithKaphttps://t.co/FobilXc7J0
— COMMON (@common) February 3, 2019
"We are never assured of justice without a fight" Dr. Angela Davis. #ImWithKappic.twitter.com/DuhfELZrpz
— COMMON (@common) February 3, 2019
Here are just a few of the other outspoken celebrities and activists who are throwing their support behind Kaepernick and speaking out against the NFL on the sport's biggest day of the year.
New season! Y’all know what to do...
A post shared by Wardell Curry (@stephencurry30) on Feb 3, 2019 at 8:18pm PST
Y’all finished or are y’all done? #ImWithKap On and off the internets. @kaepernick7
A post shared by jesse Williams (@ijessewilliams) on Feb 3, 2019 at 8:39pm PST
#ImWithKap#7Challenge! I am donating $7 to Colin’s Know Your Rights Camp. The number 7 symbolizes Kap’s jersey number. I challenge you to donate $7 to @YourRightsCamp and nominate 7 others to do the same. Go to https://t.co/Bonrfn2Jf2 and click donate. @Kaepernick7pic.twitter.com/upSma6Hcxs
— Nick Cannon (@NickCannon) February 3, 2019
#ImWithKap and have been all season . And the below are just a few reasons why . @ava said it best ! Thank you . Cc: @Kaepernick7 ✊🏾 https://t.co/1MPPUfdiH1
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) February 3, 2019
No to institutional racism #ImWithKap
— Erik Jensen (@erikjensen123) February 3, 2019
SAME. #ImWithKaphttps://t.co/JDDrPyMCKE
— Jodie Turner-Smith (@MissJodie) February 3, 2019
#ImWithKap is trending in USA. Because some things are more important than a game. pic.twitter.com/0tOsGdOM1z
— Chris Lu (@ChrisLu44) February 3, 2019
I used to have a small Superbowl party every year, if only for my kids. No more! Not watching anymore. Need to find something black-affirming to do while it’s on. Will probably start reading this book… #MarcusGarvey#ImWithKappic.twitter.com/VV9u17mBOV
— Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) January 31, 2019
Super Bowl LIII -- which features the Los Angeles Rams facing off against the New England Patriots -- also faces controversy over their Halftime show, featuring Maroon 5 with Travis Scott and Big Boi.
Check out the video below for more on the outcry.
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