American network CBS’ The Activist came under the scanner and was heavily criticised for its format. The makers immediately took an action and decided to change the format. Priyanka Chopra, American singer-songwriter Usher, and Dancing with the Stars star Julianne Hough were cast as judges in the reality show, which was announced last week.
Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Replaces Deepika Padukone As Chairperson of MAMI Film Festival
Priyanka Chopra issued a statement where she talked about the change in format and went on to mention how she is glad to work with makers who had their ears to the ground. “I’m sorry that my participation in it disappointed many of you,” she added.
Her post read, “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.”
Check Out The Post Below:
CBS and Global Citizen also released a statement on September 15 to state that the five-episode competition series will now be a documentary. It 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. 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.”
They further added, “It will showcase the tireless work of six activists and the impact they have advocating for causes they deeply believe in. Each activist will be awarded a cash grant for the organisation of their choice, as was planned for the original show.”
They ended the statement by saying, “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 Activist’s has various activists pitted against each other before a panel of celebrity judges. Their progress would have been judged on the basis of their social media campaigns. People labelled the series as insensitive and tone-deaf. Many people on the internet called the show’s concept a “dystopian” celebration of “Insta-activism”. The show is set for premiere on October 22.
