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Actors, actresses, musicians and comedians are all speaking out after 29 people were shot dead and dozens more were injured in Ohio and Texas this week. They're not only showing their support for people who've lost loved ones, but also looking to the Trump administration and demanding action. They're looking to their millions of followers, asking them to call their local representatives to take action.
They want to see gun control before any more innocent lives are lost.
Rihanna is using her platform to call out President Trump for failing to recognise the shootings as acts of "terrorism" and for doing nothing to stop AK-47's from getting into the wrong hands:
John Legend questions Trump's role in the rise of white supremacy across America and writes "The President regularly inspires killers. He is a part of the problem."
When we condemn the racist venom coming from the President's mouth and point out the bigotry of his policies, it's not an academic question, it's not a political game, it's about life and death. The President regularly inspires killers. He is a part of the problem
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 4, 2019
Reese Witherspoon is calling for "common sense gun laws":
Woke up to the news of #DaytonOH shooting. This senseless loss of life is unbearable. When will our US representatives give the people of this country the common sense gun laws we are all demanding? I’m calling my congressman. Again. @Everytown
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) August 4, 2019
While Riverdale star Lili Reinhart and Seinfeld's Jason Alexander both wonder what it will take for gun laws to change:
I am sick to my stomach over what has happened in El Paso today. I can’t believe this is happening in my country and no one is doing anything about it. Who has to die for laws to change?
— Lili Reinhart (@lilireinhart) August 3, 2019
What will it take? Honestly, what will it take?#ElPaso #Dayton
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) August 4, 2019
Alyssa Milano is hoping gun stockists will take action since the government won't:
Hey, @Walmart! This would be a great opportunity for you to take a true leadership position and stop selling guns. https://t.co/JcQ6BvTbUe
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 3, 2019
There's this funny thing that happens when celebrities speak up about important issues. Just look at the comments section relating to any of the above tweets. There's always someone who rolls their eyes, wishing famous people would just "stick to acting" or "music" or whatever it may be.
But here's the thing. Every time the John Legends and Rihannas of the world do speak up, they are keeping that issue in the spotlight. What all these celebrities are doing right now is making sure the spotlight stays on gun reform.
They are encouraging dialogue amongst their millions of followers. And sometimes - like we recently saw with Ricky Martin and the protests in Puerto Rico - sometimes, they even help create change.
Did you come across other celebrity reactions? Tell us below.
