Published On: Mon, Jun 1st, 2020

George Floyd death: Billie Eilish and Pink criticise ‘All Lives Matter’ term and white privilege | Ents & Arts News

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Billie Eilish and Pink have criticised the “All Lives Matter” term in response to the death of a black man who was pinned down by a white police officer in the US.

The stars also acknowledged white privilege while showing support for the Black Lives Matter movement in posts on social media.

It comes after the death of George Floyd, 46, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last week.

George Floyd. Pic: Shutterstock
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A police officer was filmed kneeling on George Floyd’s neck before he died. Pic: Shutterstock

Mr Floyd died after officer Derek Chauvin, who has since been sacked and charged with third-degree murder, was filmed kneeling on his neck for at least eight minutes while arresting him for allegedly using a fake $20 note in a shop.

In a post to her 63 million followers on Instagram, teenager Eilish said she had been thinking for a while about how to address the All Lives Matter movement “delicately” and to “be respectful”, but had to speak out now.

“If I hear one more white person say ‘All Lives Matter’ one more f****** time I’m gonna lose my f****** mind,” she said.

“No one is saying your life doesn’t matter. No one is saying your life is not hard.”

She continued: “This is not about you. Stop making everything about you. You are not in need. You are not in danger.”

Eilish then compared the issue to an injury or an emergency situation.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 31: People hold placards as they join a spontaneous Black Lives Matter march through central London to protest the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and in support of the demonstrations in North America on May 31, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. African-American George Floyd, 46, died in police custody after being arrested outside a shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Footage of the arrest shows a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on George Floyd’s neck while he was pinned to the floor. The death has lead to protests across the US. (Photo by Guy Smallman/Getty Images)
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Protests have spread from the US to London and New Zealand (below)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JUNE 01: Protestors march down Queen Street on June 01, 2020 in Auckland, New Zealand. The rally was organised in solidarity with protests across the United States following the killing of an unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

She wrote: “If your friend gets a cut on their arm are you gonna wait to give all your friends a bandaid first because all arms matter? NO you’re gonna help your friend because THEY are in PAIN because THEY are in need because THEY ARE BLEEDING!

“If someone’s house was on fire and someone is stuck in the house, are you gonna make the fire department go to every other house on the block first because all houses matter??? NO! Because they don’t f****** need it.

“You are privileged whether you like it or not. Society gives you privilege just for being white.”

Pink reposted Eilish’s remarks, and responded to one Instagram user who criticised the comments by saying: “You are the epitome of white privilege and the saddest part is that you don’t hear yourself and probably never will.”

John Boyega attends the EE British Academy Film Awards 2020 After Party at The Grosvenor House Hotel on February 02, 2020 in London, England
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John Boyega is among the celebrities demanding justice for My Floyd

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Both Eilish and Pink are among stars including John Boyega, Beyonce and Rihanna who have spoken out following Mr Floyd’s death, with Pink pointing her 7.9 million followers to ways to donate in his memory in a separate post on Instagram.

Celebrities including Ryan Reynolds, Chrissy Teigen, Harry Styles and Steve Carell have donated money to help pay for arrested protesters to be bailed as demonstrations continue across the US.

A music industry blackout has been announced for Tuesday in protest at Mr Floyd’s death.

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