Last Friday, Usher, Priyanka Chopra-Jones, and Julianne Hough were announced as hosts of a new CBS competition series “The Activist“, which show’s title triggered an outpouring of criticism online.
In response to the widespread criticism, CBS said Wednesday that “The Activist” will be reworked into a documentary format in collaboration with Global Citizen and Live Nation.
Even though the original concept of the competing reality series was announced in May, many Twitter users just cause wind of the concept, and their reactions were anything but positive.
“Couldn’t they just give the money it’s going to take to pay this UNBELIEVABLY expensive talent and make this show directly to activist causes?” outspoken actress Jameela Jamil wrote in one viral tweet. “Rather than turning activism into a game and then giving a fraction of the much-needed money away in a ‘prize…?’ People are dying.”
Thanks to social media, CBS, Global Citizens, and Live Nation, they put a stop to the October 22nd premiere date as they come up with a new concept for the show.
“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,” their joint statement announced.“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 partners continued. “The push for global change is not a competition and requires a global effort.”
In the now discontinued series, six activists were competing to increase awareness of the topics chosen — representing three causes: health, education, and the environment.
In October, at the Roman G20 Summit, three surviving do-gooders – one from each area, were picked to meet with world leaders for “funding and awareness for their causes.”
For the finale, pop stars will attend the annual Global Citizens Live event hosted in Central Park.
