Priyanka Chopra Jonas Speaks Out Following 'The Activist' Criticism: 'The Show Got It Wrong'
Lesson learned! Priyanka Chopra Jonas has commented on the changes to her upcoming CBS show The Activist following criticism of the show's initial format.
The Activist was first announced as a competition, with the model, Julianne Hough and Usher slated to act as judges and cohosts. It was originally a five-week competition series, where six activists would compete to "bring meaningful change to one of three urgent universal causes: health, education and the environment."
However, following backlash, it is now being reformatted as a documentary series.
"I have been moved by the power of your voices over the past week. At its core, activism is fueled by cause and effect, and when people come together to raise their voice about something, there is always an effect," the 39-year-old wrote in a statement. "You were heard."
"The show got it wrong, and I'm sorry that my participation in it disappointed many of you," she added. "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."
"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," the brunette beauty concluded.
- 'The Activist' Yanked From CBS After An Avalanche Of Criticism, Cohost Julianne Hough Apologizes For Blackface Costume
- Over It! Whoopi Goldberg Jokingly Collapses During 'The View' After Never-Ending Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas Conversation
- Sunny Hostin Shocks 'The View' Panel With Raunchy NSFW Confession
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
Fans weighed in on the change in the comment section.
"Such a class act Queen. Love you lots ❤️," one user wrote.
"Thank you for this and this is why I always appreciate you. 🙌❤️," another commented.
Hough also commented on the controversy and said "the last few days have been a powerful demonstration of real-time activism."
"Thank you for using your voices, calling me in, your accountability, and your candor. I am deeply listening with an open heart and mind," the 33-year-old said.
"I do not claim to be an activist and wholeheartedly agree that the judging aspect of the show missed the mark, and furthermore, that I am not qualified to act as a judge," she added.
The show was originally slated for release on October 22, but it has reportedly been pushed back. A new date has not been announced.
"Activists and community leaders around the world work every day, often without fanfare, to advance protections for people, communities, and our planet," CBS and producing partners Global Citizen and Live Nation said in a statement. "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."
