The Activist: Priyanka Chopra sorry for role on reality show
- Published
Actress Priyanka Chopra has said US activism reality TV show The Activist "got it wrong" and has apologised for her planned role as a judge.
The Activist was a challenge show for people involved in health, education and environmental issues to win a place at the G20 summit.
The makers have issued an apology for the show's format.
When the presenters were announced, there was backlash online - which Priyanka says she "heard".
"I have been moved by the power of your voices over the past week," she wrote, in a note posted on her social media channels., external
"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."
The negative response to the show was around pitting important issues against each other and turning global causes into reality TV.
Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
The show, which has already been filmed, will now be remade as a documentary, with the same activists who took part in the reality show format.
'We apologise to the activists'
US TV network CBS and makers Live Nation and Global Citizen said in a joint statement the show format "distracts" from the activists' work.
"Global activism centres on collaboration and cooperation, not competition. We apologise to the activists, hosts, and the larger activist community - we got it wrong," said Global Citizen.
"It is our responsibility to use this platform in the most effective way to realize change and elevate the incredible activists dedicating their lives to progress all around the world.
Priyanka was due to 'judge' the reality show, alongside Usher and Julianne Hough
An additional comment, from Global Citizen, CBS and Live Nation, added: "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."
'Activists work without fanfare'
The statement ends by saying: "Activists and community leaders around the world work every day, often without fanfare, to advance protections for people, communities, and our planet.
"We hope that by showcasing their work we will inspire more people to become more involved in addressing the world's most pressing issues. We look forward to highlighting the mission and lives of each of these incredible people."
The show's hosts, Usher, Julianne Hough and Priyanka Chopra were announced last week.
When details of the show were revealed, criticism began to grow online as the show was compared to the likes of Black Mirror or The Hunger Games.
It prompted Julianne Hough to post on Instagram, external about the show, where she said "the judging aspect of the show missed the mark".
Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, external, Facebook, external, Twitter, external and YouTube, external.
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.
- Published17 June 2020
- Published4 August 2020
- Published28 January 2021
