Kristen Bell, Stanley Tucci, Aaron Paul and more actors criticised for ‘cringe-worthy’ anti-racism PSA

Sarah Paulson, Kesha, and Justin Theroux also feature

A group of high-profile actors, including Kristen Bell, Stanley Tucci, and Aaron Paul, have been criticised after starring in an anti-racism PSA that has been deemed cringe-worthy.

The video, unveiled on Thursday (11 June), is titled “I Take Responsibility”.

In the clip, which comes after widespread protests against racism and police brutality, actors pledge to hold themselves accountable for “every unchecked moment”, “every not-so-funny joke”, “every unfair stereotype”, and other injustices.

The two-minute clip also features Sarah Paulson, Kesha, Justin Theroux, Debra Messing and Julianne Moore.

Many on social media have criticised the video for its tone, with some suggesting that it calls to mind the celebrity cover of John Lennon song “Imagine”, led by Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot, in March.

That cover, meant to improve people’s morale during the coronavirus pandemic, was widely deemed to be tone-deaf and was lampooned on social media.

The new PSA now seems destined for a similar fate.

Marlow Stern, a senior entertainment editor at The Daily Beast, shared the clip on Twitter, writing: ”Regret to inform you the celebs are at it again.”

Many shared the sentiment in response to his message, with one person writing ironically: ”Oh my gosh, racism is over thank you actors.”

On YouTube, one person called the video “slightly cringey” but said they supported the initiative and intent behind it.

Another person had a more sardonic take, writing: “Oh my God, I just got word that racism no longer exists because of this video!!! It worked guys!!”