Jake Paul released a statement in response
to backlash he’s been facing after he was
spotted in a video of an Arizona mall being
looted during protests in response to the
killing of George Floyd.
Hi everyone, it’s Emile Ennis Jr. here with
Clevver News and over the weekend, protests
throughout the nation continued in response
to George Floyd's death.
Many of the protests were peaceful, with powerful
demonstrations like this…
And there were many marches like this one,
filmed by Clevver’s own Jackie Iadonisi.
Unfortunately, some of the demonstrations
turned violent causing injuries to both protesters
and police officers along with looting and
destruction of businesses.
Reports have surfaced that many of the lootings
and arrests, like the ones that took place
in Minneapolis, were not carried out by people
who were involved in the peaceful protests
and the looters weren’t even from the city.
Many celebs like Tyler Perry are speaking
out asking their followers to “Please, please
stop this violence!!
Looting is NOT THE ANSWER!!!!”
And Ariana Grande who was actually a part
of a peaceful protest shared these photos
and said quote, “hours and miles of peaceful
protesting yesterday that got little to no
coverage.
all throughout beverly hills and west hollywood
we chanted, people beeped and cheered along.
we were passionate, we were loud, we were
loving.
cover this too please.”
But unfortunately, one celeb was actually
caught up in the not so peaceful part of the
protests.
Jake Paul was spotted in the middle of a mall
that was being looted in Arizona on Saturday
night.
Many fans pointed out that the mall Jake was
seen in was in Scottsdale while the protests
were actually in downtown Phoenix, which is
about a 25 minute drive away.
And now a video of Jake and some of his friends
at the scene of the looting has gone viral
on Twitter with over 14 million views.
TMZ reported that in the video the looters
are stealing and while you don't see Jake
steal anything himself, he's right there as
everyone around him destroys shops and steals
what's inside.
And many people online are sharing their thoughts
and disappointment about Jake being seen in
this video.
One person wrote quote, “He is using us
as content for his YouTube channel.
He is using us to get views........ we already
know he is racist why are we acting surprised?”
Another chimed in and said quote, “white
men taking advantage of their white privilege”
And this person added quote, “Straight,
cis, millionaire white male influencers taking
advantage of a serious situation for content
and clout because they know they’ll suffer
no serious consequences for their actions
*pretends to be shocked* The privilege and
entitlement is astounding”
And some of Jake’s fellow YouTubers got
involved in the conversation.
Youtuber Daniel Preda tweeted calling out
both Jake and YouTube writing quote, “Good
morning @YouTube @ytcreators @SusanWojcicki
it’s time to finally make an example of
@jakepaul.
A millionaire who’s latest stint is looting
during the #BlackLivesMatter protests.
channel takedown.
adsense donated to multiple BLM funds.
Act, for once”
And he followed up with another tweet that
said quote, “Before I get hit with “he’s
not even looting” he knows exactly what
he’s doing, he’s actively participating
in what exactly this movement is NOT about
and benefiting off of it for a video.
There’s zero reason for him to be out & about
looting with all his little white boys.”
Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton also added
quote, “Jake Paul should have been home
last night, but instead this asshole YouTuber
was involved in looting!”
And Hannah Hart called Jake out saying quote,
“@jakepaul What movement are you part of?
What organizations do you donate to and support?”
And since the video has gone viral and Jake
has received backlash, he posted a response
statement.
Jake wrote quote, “To be absolutely clear,
neither I nor anyone in our group was engaged
in any looting or vandalism.
For context, we spent the day doing our part
to peaceful protest one of the most horrific
injustices our country has ever seen, which
led to us being tear-gassed for filming the
events and brutality that were unfolding in
Arizona.
We were gassed and forced to keep moving on
foot.
We filmed everything we saw in an effort to
share our experience and bring more attention
to the anger felt in every neighborhood we
traveled through; we were strictly documenting,
not engaging.”
He continued on writing quote, “I do not
condone violence, looting, or breaking the
law; however, I understand the anger and frustration
that led to the destruction we witnessed and
while it’s not the answer, it’s important
that people see it and collectively figure
out how to move forward in a healthy way.
We are all doing the best we can to be helpful
and raise awareness; this is not the time
to attack each other, it’s time to join
together and evolve.”
But for many of Jake’s followers, this apology
wasn’t enough.
This fan responded saying quote, “the blm
movement is NOT an opportunity for you to
film a youtube video and post it for revenue.”
Another fan chimed in saying quote, “How
about donating some of your millions of dollars
that you always flex on your child audience
then???
How dare you take advantage of this cause
to loot and make content.”
Many people pointed out that the vodka in
Jake’s hand was looted.
Like this person who tweeted this video saying,
“Jake paul and his friends looting a vodka
out of store on video.
Don't let him get away saying he was only
"recording for message"
And Daniel Preda replied to Jake’s tweet
saying quote, “you’re completely full
of shit. grow the fuck up, sit your ass at
home, donate, educate, read and do some actual
good instead of this clownery.”
Jake hasn’t spoken out again since his statement,
but I want to know what you guys think about
all this.
Share your thoughts down in the comments below
and please stay safe if you are out protesting.
For more on the death of George Floyd and
which celebs have been using their platform
to call for justice, click right over here
for another Clevver video.
I’m your host, Emile Ennis Jr., bye guys.
