Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Usher and Julianne Hough had announced their participation in the Global Citizen competition series The Activist as co-hosts. As per reports, the five-week reality show was to pit activists against each other for the coveted title. Reportedly, the format suggested that 6 activists would team up with 3 high-profile public figures to bring a meaningful change to one of three vitally important world causes: health, education and environment. However, the format of The Activist was criticised strongly by netizens who lashed out at the makers for converting activism into a game.
Amid the backlash, the makers of The Activist have changed the format of the reality show. In a statement, CBS, Global Citizen and Live Nation shared that the reality show will be shot as a one-time documentary special instead of a five-episode competition series. The statement read, "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."
The three parties added, "However, it has become apparent the format of the show as announced distracts from the vital work these incredible activists do in their communities every day. The push for global change is not a competition and requires a global effort"
Priyanka, who is associated with The Activist, has issued a statement and apologised to her fans for disappointing them, unintentionally. The actress shared a post on Instagram. She said, "I have been moved by the power of your voices over the past week. At its core, Activism is fuelled by cause and effect, and when people come together to raise their voice about something, there is always an effect. You were heard."
Priyanka further stated, "The show got it wrong, and I'm sorry that my participation in it disappointed many of you. The intention was always to bring attention to the people behind the ideas and highlight the actions and impact of the causes they support tirelessly. I'm happy to know that in this new format, their stories will be the highlight, and I'm proud to collaborate with partners who have their ear to the ground and know when it's time to hit pause and re-evaluate."
She added, "There is a global community of activists who fight the fight every single day and put their blood, sweat and tears into creating change, but more often than not, they are rarely heard or acknowledged. Their work is so important and they too deserve to be recognized and celebrated. Thank you to each and every one of you for all that you do."
(Source: Instagram)
