Actor KJ Apa responded on social media after being called out by comedian Elijah Daniel because of Apa’s perceived “silence” amid the Black Lives Matter protests. Keep scrolling below to find out what happened between Daniel and Apa.
Who Is Elijah Daniel?
The 26-year-old is a comedian and rapper who called out the Riverdale star, 22, after a fan suggested Daniel should watch The Hate U Give, which deals with similar issues.
What Did Elijah Daniel Say to KJ Apa?
“I love that movie, but I do have a question, completely unrelated to the beef I formerly had with him, if KJ was the costar of that movie, why is he so silent?” Daniel replied on Twitter. “He has such a massive young audience and got paid to be in a movie about police brutality and … posted a black square?”
What Was KJ Apa’s Response?
Apa responded, “I don’t need to post about my opinions and beliefs in order for them to be real to me. I support black lives — but I don’t feel it’s necessary to prove to people I do by posting my attendance at these protests.”
This Isn’t the First Time Daniel and Apa Feuded
In December 2018, Daniel called out the CW series. “Does the Riverdale fanbase know the show sucks and don’t care or do they just not know?” Apa replied, “Do your fans know that you’re a f—kin idiot or do they just not care.”
Which Other Riverdale Stars Have Spoken Out?
Apa shared his support for the Black Lives Matter protests, which started after Minneapolis man George Floyd died on May 25 during an arrest. On June 2, the I Still Believe star participated in Blackout Tuesday, which was a way to show support for Black Lives Matter and amplify the black community’s voice.
His Riverdale costars have been a little more vocal about Black Lives Matter. Cole Sprouse released a statement after being arrested during an L.A. protest and expressed why it’s important to him to support the movement. “There’s a clear need to speak about the circumstances: Black Lives Matter,” the 27-year-old wrote on Instagram. “This is precisely the time to contemplate what it means to stand as an ally. I hope others in my position do as well.”
Meanwhile, Lili Reinhart used her platform to express her own thoughts on the issue. “I want to say that I am ashamed of the racism that exists in this country,” the 23-year-old tweeted on June 1. “We are taught to look at our police officers as helpful and friendly when we learn about ‘leaders’ in elementary school. Our ‘leaders’ have failed us today. I can’t begin to imagine the horror of worrying that you won’t be protected by your “leaders” because of the color of your skin. I know that white privilege exists and I cpuld never fully understand what it’s like to be oppressed because of my race. I don’t have all the right words, but I stand by you. #BlackLivesMatter.”
For more information, visit Blacklivesmatter.com