Black Lives Matter

MARK WAHLBERG: NOT AS SWEET AS HE LOOKS

He should know better than to pose with a truly adorable dog- Mark Wahlberg is nearly invisible in this photo. That furry face! It was only last year during the BLM protests that Wahlberg foolishly posted a photo of George Floyd online, along with sympathetic comments. Outraged readers immediately brought up Wahlberg’s own history of racially motivated hate crimes that he committed as a teenager. In fact, they take up four paragraphs on his Wikipedia page. Wahlberg immediately took down the George Floyd pic and stayed under the radar for awhile. A short time later, Wikipedia changed the title of “Hate Crimes” on Wahlberg’s Wikipedia page to “Racial Incidents.”

Photo: Instagram

JENNIFER LOPEZ AND ALEX RODRIGUEZ PROTEST IN PERSON

Not a lot of celebrities are showing up to protest for Black Lives Matter demonstrations – most of the ones that do are quite young and in a festive mood. But Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez turned up to march with the group on Hollywood Blvd in Los Angeles. Certainly that tall guy behind Jennifer is a bodyguard, and you can bet there’s more than one keeping a close eye on the pair. The paparazzi that spotted them is to be congratulated (we wouldn’t have recognized them) – we don’t know if they WANTED to be noticed or not, but their gesture is meaningful.

Photo Credit: BACKGRID-USA

CRUTCHES DON’T STOP MADONNA FROM PROTESTING

Imagine everyone’s surprise when Madonna joined a Black Lives Matter protest in London, and she was ON CRUTCHES. (She’s been having knee and other problems since October) It wasn’t too rowdy – she had a couple of bodyguards, her kids, and her boyfriend marching by her side. Madonna shouted “NO JUSTICE – NO PEACE” as she hobbled along. Interesting that Madonna claims she “has antibodies” and doesn’t need a mask…

Photo Credit: BACKGRID-USA

PROTESTING FOR BLACK LIVES MATTER OR PUBLICITY?

Are celebrities using the protest march for publicity? Since the Black Lives Matter demonstrations have become a magnet for attractive young people with nothing to do thanks to the coronavirus, it does make you wonder. SOME celebs have been opportunistically removing their masks when they notice paparazzi nearby and deliberately making their presence known by waving signs and yelling. Gorgeous aspiring singer Madison Beer was accused of using the event for personal PR, but vehemently denied that motivation. Of course, it does give young celebrities credibility to be linked to a decent cause. Whatever the motive, supporting Black Lives Matter is a good thing to do – maybe we can look forward to having more female police officers.

Above, Madison at her 21st birthday party

Photo Credit: BACKGRID-USA

THIS IS WHAT A PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION LOOKS LIKE

Of course, this is Malibu and not a lot of bad things ever happen there, unless it involves weather or falling rocks. But some inhabitants were determined not to be left out of a socially significant protest. A group of earnest young people congregated at a busy intersection and flashed appropriate Black Lives Matter signs with no obscenities, as cars drove by and honked in agreement. No violence. That’s how they do it in Malibu.

Photo Credit: BACKGRID-USA

BLM PROTESTERS ARE ALSO HAVING A GOOD TIME

Okay, the Black Lives Matter demonstration has become the biggest social event in Hollywood in MONTHS. Every day, more (attractive) young people join the marches all over Los Angeles – it’s a win-win situation. Jobs are scarce and school is out, and everyone is bored stiff. So they are marching and supporting a good cause and meeting hordes of other like-minded young people in the process. Keep in mind, these are NOT the vandals and looters – they believe in the cause and happen to be having a pleasant and very sociable time with each other. The downside, of course, is the sight of damaged and boarded up businesses – not to mention heartbroken shop owners. Above, “Hot Felon” Jeremy Meeks is protesting again today.

Photo Credit: BACKGRID-USA

PARIS JACKSON MARCHES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

Nice to see Paris Jackson participating at the Black Lives Matter rally in LA. She marched with the afternoon peaceful group who had good intentions, but she didn’t seem to think she needed a mask. Too bad the sincere demonstrators were joined by troublemakers and criminals as the sun went down Saturday night, and the destruction and looting commenced. What started as a heartfelt event turned into a nightmare of graffiti and wrecked stores and sneaker shops. Sad that the purpose of the march was blurred by fires and violence. We feel awful for the shopowners. Why is it WOMEN can march and demonstrate for their causes with NO violence?

Photo Credit: BACKGRID-USA