In recent weeks actor John Boyega has emerged as one of the foremost voices in the entertainment industry speaking up about the wave of Black Lives Matter protests sweeping the globe.
Last month he took to Twitter and Instagram to speak passionately about the impact racism had on him and black communities.
His no-holds barred comments drew praise at the time but Boyega seemingly also acknowledged that his career could potentially suffer from talking so openly about racism.
“It’s not about career, it’s not about money…” he wrote in a tweet.
“All those things were just a part of my dream, just a part of working. That’s got nothing to do with how you treat people”.
Yesterday, Boyega made a powerful, emotive speech at a London Black Lives Matter protest, where he voiced those concerns again.
Speaking in front of a crowd of thousands, visibly choked with emotion, the 28 year-old actor spoke at length about racism and his hopes for the BLM movement.
“Black lives have always mattered”, he said at one point.
“We have always meant something [...] I need you to understand how painful this shit is. I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing and that isn’t the case anymore, that was never the case anymore”.
@YourAnonCentral @realDonaldTrump "Look I don’t know if I’m going to have a career after this but, f**k that.” Joh… https://t.co/SMdnUkG0Kg— Sarp (@Sarp) 1591246750
Boyega listed the names of victims of police brutality, including Trayvon Martin and Mark Duggan, adding:
“Do you lot understand? I’m speaking to you from the heart. I don’t know if I’m going to have a career after this but f**k that”.
Originally from south London, Boyega shot to global fame after being cast as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
Boyega's IMBD page says he is scheduled to appear in film Naked Singularityin 2020 but as of yet, no other projects have been announced.
After footage of the actor’s tearful speech went viral, other celebrities began pledging their support for him.
“We got you John,” tweeted screenwriter and director Jordan Peele.
We got you, John. https://t.co/oX7Rr52omx— Jordan Peele (@Jordan Peele) 1591215364
Director Matthew A. Cherry also said he wanted to work with Boyega, urging non-black industry professionals to do the same.
I would work with John Boyega and I urge other Non-Black creators to affirm that they have his back as well. https://t.co/SqXgmIS5aR— Matthew A. Cherry (@Matthew A. Cherry) 1591205937
J.J Abrams, who wrote and directed the Star Wars trilogy Boyega starred in also reaffirmed his support, sending his “deep love and respect”.
You KNOW that as long as I’m allowed to keep working, I’ll always be begging to work with you. Deep respect and lov… https://t.co/1bGhDiS8wF— JJ Abrams (@JJ Abrams) 1591240846
JK Rowling also said she was happy to work with him.
Happy to work with you any time, John 👏👏👏 https://t.co/mvxz4CQtdi— J.K. Rowling (@J.K. Rowling) 1591217474
And actor Chris O'Dowd.
Yes, I would also still work with John Boyega. While we’re at it, I will also work with Greta Gerwig, Rihanna and J… https://t.co/FN0oJcE3dQ— chris o'dowd (@chris o'dowd) 1591242134
Boyega was also hailed a "hero" by LucasFilm, who own the Star Wars franchise in a statement.
We stand with and support you, @JohnBoyega. View his full speech: https://t.co/Goxb5y2wrK https://t.co/ZvE0t5tRPY— Star Wars (@Star Wars) 1591225379
Co-star Mark Hamil also said he had "never been more proud".
Never been more proud of you, John. @JohnBoyega ❤️, dad https://t.co/XcXvBcblPG— Mark Hamill (@Mark Hamill) 1591216136
But It didn’t go unnoticed that Boyega was having to potentially choose between challenging racism openly or having a thriving career.
Particularly when white celebrities are praised for speaking out and can often enjoy career boosts after cultivating an "activist" profile.
the fact that he has to question the stake of his career for speaking out publicly about racism blows my fucking mi… https://t.co/JyY6mVCc1U— bell⋆ (@bell⋆) 1591200858
From now on, if John Boyega’s in it, we’re getting tickets.