Fans Have Mixed Feelings Over Online Celebrity Performances Amid Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected us all. The fast-spreading virus has made many ill, very rapidly. With mandatory lockdown in place within some states, celebrities have taken to the internet to provide some much-needed levity. Some fans are fans, but others think there’s something else Hollywood elite should do with all their quarantined time.
The coronavirus pandemic prompted celebrities to perform online for fans
Many celebrities are taking to the web to perform sing, such as John Legend and Chris Martin of Coldplay, to entertain everyone stuck indoors. Some, like Jennifer Garner, have read books, while others, like Jimmy Fallon, continue working from the confines of his home.
The intent behind the performances is fair. Just like the rest of us, celebrities are also following the protocol of social distancing and staying home.
However, despite some enjoying the various performances from the likes of comedian Jim Gaffigan and his family dinners, or world-renown cellist, Yo Yo Ma, offering a calming symphony, some think there’s something else celebrities should be doing instead.
Some fans say the performances are ‘way off base’
Tensions have been building since the first announcements of the coronavirus pandemic which is probably why actress Gal Gadot’s latest offering didn’t exactly gain her any new fans.
In a star-studded rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” Gadot and many other celebrities sing the tune over the course of the song.
Natalie Portman, Mark Ruffalo, Amy Adams, Kristen Wiig, Jamie Dornan, and Zoe Kravitz are among some of those heard in the 2-minute clip. Fans have called it “cringeworthy” and “privileged” for failing to recognize the irony of Hollywood elite — with their money and expansive comforts while quarantined — condescendingly.
Many called for the stars to donate money to causes that might help fix the problem. With many “average” Americans struggling to provide necessities, losing jobs, and maybe failing to get better if suffering from the virus itself, something such as this performance only serves as a stark reminder of how much easier life is when you have money and access to options.
“Singing “imagine no possessions” from my multimillion-dollar palace while people are struggling to pay rent,” this person pointed out.
That said, some are taking the performances as they are: entertainment to pass the time and remind us, we’re not alone.
“Jimmy you are awesome – thank you for being laughs and smiles during such a difficult time,” one fan tweeted in response to Jimmy Fallon’s “show” from home.
Regardless of which side you’re on, there’s one celebrity who we can count on to stay on-brand through it all.
Jared Leto didn’t know about the coronavirus at all
The pandemic has affected all of us in some way or another — unless you’re Jared Leto. The actor revealed via Twitter he’d gone away for “silent meditation in the desert.” He had no phones or communication with the outside world, and “no idea what was happening outside the facility.”
Being “totally isolated” means Leto didn’t hear news of the fast-spreading virus or how many it’s affected.
“Hope you and yours are ok. Sending positive energy to all. Stay inside. Stay safe,” he added in a follow-up tweet.
Some joked that the star’s tweet was very “Jared Leto,” adding it’s an “incredibly lengthy way of saying ‘I’m super-rich and I’m definitely going to be fine. Good luck, peasants!'” as one person pointed out.
All the quarantining — whether government ordered or not — is clearly getting to everyone. In the words of Leto, “stay inside; stay safe.”
