Today (June 4) Forbes released its list of the the world’s highest paid celebrities, with Kanye West coming in at No. 1. While the information feels trivial in a moment when protests surrounding the death of George Floyd are dominating global headlines, one high-paid celeb from the dance is putting his riches to good use.
Via Twitter, Marshmello announced a $50,000 donation to the NAACP, writing that “i stand with you and encourage others with means to contribute ANYTHING they can to worthy causes that support #blacklivesmatter.”
In previous tweets, the helmet-wearing producer, who came in on No. 36 on Forbes list with an estimated net worth of $56 million, wrote that “i’ve always remained neutral with my platform but just like you underneath this costume i am human and this is my tipping point…black culture and influence play a big part in the music i make. the systematic racism and injustices that the black community face on a daily basis is something that no white person can relate to or begin to understand.”
“Racism should never be tolerated and it is up to our generation to be the change especially in times when our government can’t unite us,” the tweets continued. “it is up to us to bring justice for George Floyd and the countless others who lost their lives and ultimately bring this hateful racist complex crumbling to the ground…if you are a real fan of mine you will do your part to stand up and join us.”
The producer has since tweeted out links to a variety of organizations including the Black Visions Collective, Equal Justice Initiative and National Bail Out.
The only other dance act to make the Forbes 100 is The Chainsmokers, who came at No. 21 with an estimated $68 million. The duo, on a social media break since late February, changed the link on their Instagram page to Black Lives Matter and made a $50,000 donation to the ACLU.
