Lorde has written a heartfelt letter to her fans, revealing an activist side to her and dropping the news that she recently participated in the Black Lives Matter protest in Auckland.
The letter addressed recent events in the USA, following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis.
“I know what you’re thinking – ‘Two notes in two weeks? Who is she?!’,” she wrote. “I’ve been following this week’s events in the States from New Zealand. I also attended the peaceful protest in Auckland today to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
Lorde admitted that while she generally finds activism by white celebrities (including herself ) to be frustrating at times like these, she felt compelled to act at this time.
“One of the things I find most frustrating about social media is performative activism, predominantly by white celebrities (like me). It’s hard to strike a balance between self-serving social media displays and true action. But part of being an ally is knowing when to speak and when to listen, and I know that white silence right now is more damaging than someone’s wack protest selfie.”
Then came her most poignant statement: “This ongoing systemic brutality by police is racist, it’s sickening, and it’s unsurprising.”
Towards the end of the letter, she expressed her sadness and frustration towards her black fans. “I’m so sorry this is your reality, that you haven’t had a choice but to be defined by this, to give it your energy.
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“I’m aware of that tax on you. I hope white people you know are doing what they can to ease your load. And I really, really hope systems will change to better protect you.”
.@Lorde talks about police brutality and the #BlackLivesMatter movement in an email sent to fans. pic.twitter.com/AC2sX9qdFP
— The Lorde Cult (@TheLordeCult) June 1, 2020
Her last letter to fans had a much lighter tone, as Lorde gave an update on new music. “I know now how excited I am to get back out there,” she wrote, “I want to use my gift, and watch it grow.”
Check out ‘Green Light’ by Lorde:
