A reality TV show that planned to pit activists against each other in an X-Factor-style contest judged by celebrities must be “reimagined” drastically after it sparked a reaction from activists.
The Activist, which was due to air in the United States in late October, sparked disbelief among many activists and other sites when its format was revealed last week, and many called it “deaf” distortion. “of the values of true activists.
Now, after one of the stars lined up to judge the contest she joined the criticism and admitted she wasn’t “qualified” for the role, producers have bowed to the pressure and are back on the drawing board .
Global Citizen, the international advocacy organization that co-produces the show, said: “Global activism focuses on collaboration and cooperation, not competition. We apologize to activists, hosts and the community. biggest activist: we were wrong “.
Instead of making six activists compete with each other, with their efforts judged by singer Usher, actor Priyanka Chopra and dancer Julianne Hough, the show will now be a documentary showcasing their “tireless work,” he said.
“The activist was designed to show a wide audience the passion, long hours and ingenuity that activists put into changing the world, hopefully inspiring others to do the same,” a joint statement from the CBS network and its production partners Global Citizen and Live Nation.
“However, the format of the show has become evident as the announcement distracts from the vital work that these incredible activists do in their communities every day. Driving global change is not a competition and requires a global effort.
“As a result, we are changing the format to eliminate the competitive element and reinventing the concept in a special first-hour documentary (release date to be announced). It will show the tireless work of six activists and the impact they advocate for causes in which they believe deeply. Each activist will be awarded a cash grant for the organization of their choice, as planned for the original show.
On Tuesday, Hough issued a lengthy statement on Instagram acknowledging people’s objections to the show, including that “it felt like the Olympics of Oppression, and he lost and fully respected the many activists who have been killed, assaulted and confronted. various abuses fighting for their causes “. .
He added: “I do not claim to be an activist and I wholeheartedly agree that the judging aspect of the show failed and, moreover, that I am not qualified to act as a judge.”