Amy Schumer Rejects Super Bowl Ad Offers, Urges White NFL Players To Kneel During Anthem

Comedian and actress Amy Schumer posted a "Friday thought" questioning why more white NFL players don't kneel during the National Anthem in solidarity with their black teammates.

Schumer, 37, told her Instagram and social media followers she "personally" informed her representatives to reject any offers to participate in Super Bowl advertisements. She called on the band Maroon 5 to back out of performing at the Super Bowl halftime show as Rihanna did earlier this week, with the singer expressing her support for Colin Kaepernick.

Schumer also questioned if white players or those who don't fully support the kneeling protests are "complicit" in the face of "endless racism" and police brutality.

Friday thought. I wonder why more white players aren't kneeling. Once you witness the truly deep inequality and endless racism people of color face in our country, not to mention the police brutality and murders. Why not kneel next to your brothers? Otherwise how are you not complicit? I think it would be cool if @maroon5 backed out of super bowl like @badgalriri Did. I personally told my reps I wouldn't do a Super Bowl commercial this year. I know it must sound like a privilege ass sacrifice but it's all i got. Hitting the nfl with the advertisers is the only way to really hurt them. I know opposing the nfl is like opposing the nra. Very tough, but don't you want to be proud of how you're living? Stand up for your brothers and sisters of color. And the hottest thing a guy can do is get down on one knee. Not to propose but to reject the treatment of his teammates by this country. Anyone who says its disrespectful to our military please read up on the fact that a lot of veterans are proud of what @kaepernick7is doing and fully support him. What are your thoughts?

The comedian's Instagram post shows her leaning against a massive glass of white wine with a cautious smile. The question posed by Schumer to the social media masses immediately sparked heated debates among commenters about the NFL players' right to protest during the playing of the National Anthem.

Several white NFL players have routinely participated in the silent anti-police brutality protests which were started by Kaepernick during the 2016 season. Although many white players have chosen to remain standing during the anthem, they have said they "respect" their fellow teammates' right to protest.

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Members of the Houston Texans stand and kneel before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. During a meeting of NFL owners earlier in October, Houston... Getty Images Otto Greule Jr / Stringer

Hundreds of thousands of social media users offered their support for Schumer's comments, with several military veterans remarking they too would like to see more white players join the protests. Although Schumer said she would reject any potential offers in the future, some online critics questioned why Schumer would weigh in if she wasn't slated to participate in any Super Bowl commercials.

amy schumer instagram
Comedian and actress Amy Schumer posted a "Friday thought" questioning why more white NFL players don't kneel during the National Anthem in solidarity with their black teammates. Screenshot: Amy Schumer Instagram

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