Over the past few days, as protests have broken out across the country in response to the killing of George Floyd and the history of police brutality against the black community in the U.S., many companies have chosen to respond with statements on social media.
Below, we’ve rounded up what pop culture-focused companies — including streaming platforms, merch makers, fan conventions, and more — have chosen to say (and, in a few cases, do) in response. This is not an all-inclusive list, but we will continue adding to it as more companies post statements or take action.
STREAMING SERVICES
Netflix
Netflix posted the below statement on May 30. Then, on June 15, the streaming service announced that it will donate $5 million to organizations that create opportunities for black creators, black youth, and black-owned businesses. Netflix also curated a “Black Lives Matter” collection on its site, which includes more than 45 relevant movies and shows.
To be silent is to be complicit.
Black lives matter.We have a platform, and we have a duty to our Black members, employees, creators and talent to speak up.
— Netflix (@netflix) May 30, 2020
Hulu
We support Black lives. Today, and every day. You are seen. You are heard. And we are with you.
— Hulu (@hulu) May 31, 2020
Prime Video
— Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) May 31, 2020
Crunchyroll
#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/39SMKcAuYg
— Crunchyroll (@Crunchyroll) May 31, 2020
ENTERTAINMENT COMPANIES
Disney
The below message was posted to the official Disney account, as well as its subsidiaries, including the official Star Wars, Pixar, and Marvel accounts. UPDATE: On June 3, Disney announced that it will donate $5 million to “support nonprofit organizations that advance social justice,” starting with a $2 million donation to the NAACP. The company is also matching any donations that its employees make.
— Disney (@Disney) May 31, 2020
HBO
The HBO and HBO Max Twitter accounts both posted the below message and changed their profile names to “#BlackLivesMatter.”
“Neither love nor terror makes one blind: indifference makes one blind.” — James Baldwin
We stand with our Black colleagues, employees, fans, actors, storytellers — and all affected by senseless violence. #BlackLivesMatter
— HBO (@HBO) May 31, 2020
Warner Bros.
In addition to sharing the message below on Twitter, Warner Bros. will make the movie Just Mercy — which is based on the work of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson and depicts the impact of systematic racism in the U.S. — free to watch for the month of June.
“Somebody has to stand when others are sitting. Somebody has to speak when others are quiet.” – Bryan Stevenson
We stand with our Black colleagues, talent, storytellers and fans – and all affected by senseless violence. Your voices matter, your messages matter. #BlackLivesMatter
— Warner Bros. (@warnerbros) May 31, 2020
Funimation
We believe in our anime community, in the rights of those in our community, and we believe that #BlackLivesMatter.
— Funimation (@Funimation) May 31, 2020
ViacomCBS
The official ViacomCBS account posted a message on Twitter, as did its subsidiaries — including the official Star Trek, Nickelodeon, and CBS accounts. At 5 p.m. ET on June 1, most ViacomCBS brands and channels went dark for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. At that time, ViacomCBS channels played the video below, which focuses on the phrase “I can’t breathe” and encourages viewers to take action.
NBCUniversal
In addition to sharing the below statement on Twitter, NBCUniversal, Comcast, and Sky launched a multiyear plan to allocate $100 million to “fight injustice and inequality against any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability.” This includes $75 million in cash and $25 million in media that will be distributed over the next three years. Read the full plan here.
— NBCUniversal (@NBCUniversal) June 1, 2020
MGM Studios
— Amazon MGM Studios (@AmazonMGMStudio) June 1, 2020
VIDEO GAME COMPANIES
PlayStation
In addition to posting the below statement, PlayStation decided to postpone the virtual event it had scheduled for this Thursday, which would have showcased new games for the PlayStation 5 system. In a statement about postponing the event, the company wrote, “We do not feel that right now is a time for celebration and for now, we want to stand back and allow more important voices to be heard.”
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) June 1, 2020
Xbox
Xbox stands together with our fans, creators, colleagues, friends, and the entire African American & Black Community against systemic racism and injustice.
We are proud to join with @Microsoft in amplifying Black and African American voices. https://t.co/sHrXqf454y
— Xbox (@Xbox) June 1, 2020
Square Enix
Square Enix, the studio behind the popular Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy games, is pledging $250,000 to support Black Lives Matter and will match employees’ donations to charities and organizations that combat racial injustice.
#BlackLivesMatter (1/2) pic.twitter.com/luAbZQWmuQ
— Square Enix (@SquareEnix) June 2, 2020
Nintendo of America
Nintendo posted the following statement on social media:
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 3, 2020
Call of Duty/Activision/Infinity Ward
Activision Blizzard shared a statement via Twitter on May 31. Then, on June 1, the official Call of Duty account announced that the new seasons of Modern Warfare, Warzone, and Call of Duty: Mobile — which were scheduled for June 3 — will be postponed in an effort to avoid detracting from the voices of those “speaking up for equality, justice, and change.”
Infinity Ward, the developers and creators of Call of Duty, posted the statement below with a list of actions the company plans to take to combat racist content in the game.
— Infinity Ward (@InfinityWard) June 3, 2020
Epic Games/Fortnite
On June 3, Epic Games posted an update to the official Fortnite site. The company decided to push back its live event The Device until June 15 and the launch of Fortnite season 3 until June 17.
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) June 3, 2020
Entertainment Arts (EA)
EA posted a lengthy statement to its website that includes various pledges for action, including plans to donate $1 million to organizations such as the Equal Justice Initiative and the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, double matching any funds fans donate to these organizations through its YourCause program this month, hosting a community conversation on June 9 and a company-wide volunteer day on Juneteenth, and implementing a new paid, annual volunteer day for each EA employee. The company also postponed an event for Madden NFL 21 and its EA Play Live event.
https://t.co/4gTbBEHvnR pic.twitter.com/PUgGeUriMX
— Electronic Arts (@EA) June 3, 2020
itch.io
More than 564 creators on this indie gaming platform donated their projects to be part of “The Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality.” Until June 15, fans can get this entire bundle of 742 games (worth more than $3,400) for a minimum donation of $5. All proceeds from the bundle will be split between the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the Community Bail Fund. Click here to get the bundle and see all of the included games.
We reached out to our community and an unprecedented number of creators donated over 740 projects to be part of what we believe is the largest bundle ever.
The Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality is now available #BlackLivesMatterhttps://t.co/JCCnqMF6yz
— itch.io (@itchio) June 6, 2020
MERCH MAKERS
CultureFly
We stand with the Black community. You are seen. You are heard. We are with you.
— CultureFly (@shopculturefly) June 1, 2020
Hero Within
It’s a difficult time for our country right now. Injustice should never go unnoticed and we must push ourselves to become a better nation, no matter the cost. We hope for change and hope for heroes to arise to lead us.
— Hero Within @ Phoenix Fan Fusion 787 (@HeroWithinInc) May 30, 2020
Funko
— Funko (@OriginalFunko) June 1, 2020
Sideshow Collectibles
— Sideshow Collectibles (@collectsideshow) June 1, 2020
Insight Editions
We stand in solidarity #blacklivesmatter #blackstoriesmatter pic.twitter.com/BVd3xeb4ai
— Insight Editions (@insighteditions) June 1, 2020
LEGO
On June 2, LEGO sent an email to its affiliate marketers, asking them to stop promoting more than 30 building sets that include representation of police officers, firefighters, criminals, emergency vehicles, and buildings. (See more details here.)
The following day, the company released the following statement on Twitter, which includes a pledge to donate $4 million to organizations that support black children and that educate all children about racial equality.
— LEGO (@LEGO_Group) June 3, 2020
RETAILERS
Hot Topic
On Instagram, Hot Topic pledged to donate $50,000 to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and take additional steps to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA3reHBnkbe/
Mondo
The collectibles manufacturer and retailer posted to Twitter, including information about places to donate. Mondo also posted the statement on its website homepage (with links) and completely shut down its site on June 2 for #BlackoutTuesday.
#BlackLivesMatter #TheShowMustBePaused pic.twitter.com/yV0NLoCqpK
— MONDO (@MondoNews) June 1, 2020
Out of Print
This literary-merch site released the following statement, recognizing that the company can and will do better with representation in its collection. Out of Print also donated all of its June 2 web sales profits to Black Lives Matter.
#BlackLivesMatter #BlackStoriesMatter pic.twitter.com/zcUWuVyL40
— 📚Out of Print: Books, worn well. (@OutofPrintTees) June 2, 2020
GameStop (Game Informer)
GameStop opted to share a statement from its Minneapolis-based gaming magazine, Game Informer.
https://twitter.com/gamestopcorp/status/1268214697578442752
BRANDS/FANDOMS
Star Wars (Lucasfilm)
The official Star Wars Twitter account and starwars.com posted a statement in support of Star Wars actor John Boyega, who made headlines for a speech he gave during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park. The statement calls Boyega “our hero” and quotes his speech.
We stand with and support you, @JohnBoyega. View his full speech: https://t.co/Goxb5y2wrK pic.twitter.com/ZvE0t5tRPY
— Star Wars (@starwars) June 3, 2020
Star Trek
Star Trek posted a video in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, which includes a scene from the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode “Far Beyond the Stars” that depicts and discusses racism.
Star Trek has always represented the hope of a better future for humankind, and we understand that until it's understood that Black lives do matter, that future cannot be achieved 🖖 pic.twitter.com/VNCwmcmyJS
— Star Trek (@StarTrek) June 2, 2020
Pokémon
The Pokémon Co. International is donating $200,000, splitting it between the NAACP and Black Lives Matter.
#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/wOvXXYK6AW
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) June 3, 2020
Magic: The Gathering
Wizards of the Coast, which publishes the popular card game Magic: The Gathering, decided to remove a number of card images from its official library that the company deemed “racist or culturally offensive.” The removed cards include “Invoke Prejudice,” “Cleanse,” “Stone-Throwing Devils,” “Pradesh Gypsies,” and “Jihad.” According to a statement from the brand, these cards will also be banned in sanctioned tournament play.
There is no place for racism in our game, nor anywhere else. For Magic, our first step will be to start with this change today. There's much more work to be done. Read here: https://t.co/inkf5jlb9D
— Magic: The Gathering (@wizards_magic) June 10, 2020
FAN EVENTS
NYCC/ECCC
Both New York Comic Con and Emerald City Comic Con shared this message on their respective social media platforms:
#NYCC encourages our community to continue to fight for change and advocate against racial injustice. pic.twitter.com/AtCgy0RAAm
— New York Comic Con (@NY_Comic_Con) June 1, 2020
Record Store Day
— Record Store Day (@recordstoreday) May 31, 2020
SDCC
Comic-Con International: San Diego posted the following statement on Twitter.
We welcome that diversity in those who exhibit, those who help create and take part in programs and panels, and those who attend. Our strength is our diversity. There is no place for discrimination or racism. (2/2)
— Comic-Con International (@Comic_Con) June 5, 2020
COMIC BOOK PUBLISHERS AND STORES
Valiant Comics
Black lives matter.
We stand with our Black colleagues, friends, and community against the injustices of systemic racism.
We encourage all who read this to support the fight for justice in whatever way you can: https://t.co/IhUxSOVB5u#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/9ek3CHTmYG
— Valiant Entertainment (@ValiantComics) June 1, 2020
Newbury Comics
Let's be clear… Newbury 100% stands in solidarity with the struggle our black friends and family and community members have been forced to endure.
Things must change for the better. https://t.co/d2j5OODVq1
— Newbury Comics (@newburycomics) May 30, 2020
IDW Publishing
In addition to a statement on the IDW Publishing account, which included action and donation links, IDW editor Elizabeth Brei posted the following on Twitter:
The comics industry is not great about hiring diverse voices, and I know that, as an editor, I am in a position in which I can help change that. So if you're a Black creator interested in working for IDW as a writer or artist, please share your website or portfolio below!
— Elizabeth Brei (@peachchild) June 2, 2020
THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
The Musicians’ Union stands with our Black members and all Black communities against all forms of racism, violence and discrimination. When we say "behind every musician”, we mean it. #BlackLivesMatter #TheShowMustBePaused pic.twitter.com/BHyFsqeOso
— Musicians' Union (@WeAreTheMU) June 1, 2020
Many major music labels and musicians took part in a blackout day on June 2. Created by Atlantic Records’ Jamila Thomas and Platoon’s Brianna Agyemang and called #TheShowMustBePaused, the initiative aimed to disrupt the workweek and the multi-million dollar music industry.
Warner Music Group specifically launched a $100 million fund to support charitable causes related to the music industry, social justice, and campaigns against violence and racism.
