After more than a week of protests, riots and looting in cities across the U.S. that will undoubtedly bolster police department requests for budget increases next year, several music stars have added their names to a petition calling for police to be defunded.
“The United States does not have a national healthcare system. Instead, we have the largest military budget in the world, and some of the most well-funded and militarized police departments in the world, too,” reads the open letter.
“Policing and militarization overwhelmingly dominate the bulk of national and local budgets.”
MORE: The Weeknd, Drake Donate Thousands To Help Black Families
It asks supporters to pledge to demand that local governments vote against increases to police budgets and in favour of decreases to free up funds for health care, education and community programs.
Among those who have added their names to the online petition are Lizzo, John Legend, Chris Martin, Charlie Puth, Common, Steve Aoki and Canada’s The Weeknd and Tory Lanez.
On Tuesday, Harry Styles, Lizzo, SZA and Kehlani were among those who gathered outside the home of Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti to call for defunding the police. Amber Riley performed a cover of Beyoncé’s “Freedom” at the protest.
Amber Riley singing “Freedom” outside LA Mayor Eric Garcetti’s house. #BlackLivesMatter #DefundThePolice #ProsecuteKillerCops pic.twitter.com/lTNyvaEoOi
— eric, at home (@MrEAnders) June 3, 2020