This week we’ve seen just how much influence celebrities have in drawing world-wide attention to issues important to them – issues that may not’ve generated as much discussion in Australia because they’re happening so far away from us.
First, we had Ricky Martin and Luis Fonsi joining hundreds of thousands of fellow Puerto Ricans in calling for the resignation of Governor Ricardo Roselló (who has now stepped down).
And then there was Jason Momoa who took to social media in a series of posts to raise awareness about native Hawaiians peacefully demonstrating against the construction of a giant telescope on Mauna Kea.
And now Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has turned up to this very protest to show his support too.
The Samoan superstar spent part of his childhood in Honolulu and is standing in solidarity with those opposing the Thirty Meter Telescope Project (TMT), who consider the area sacred. They see themselves as “protectors” of the space and are blocking crews from beginning construction.
Scientists, on the other hand, recognise it as an important location for astronomy and further scientific discovery.
Speaking to Hawaii News Now, The Rock says “It’s humanity. It’s culture. It’s the people of Polynesia who are willing to die here to protect this land. It’s not about stopping progress. It’s about respecting a culture.”
Jason Momoa who couldn’t attend the protests (because he’s on a mission to fight plastic pollution!), says he’s “stoked” that The Rock is drawing attention to the issue.
His visit comes on the 10th day of protests. Dozens of people have been arrested so far.