Coronavirus: Pharrell Williams criticised after asking fans to donate to GoFundMe
‘We’re being laid off and can’t pay our bills but thanks for asking’
Pharrell Williams has been criticised after asking fans to donate to a coronavirus fundraiser.
The artist recently shared a link to the GoFundMe page on Twitter, writing: "Hospitals are running low on masks, gowns, and other critical items. We need to replenish their supplies.
“Take action, make a donation, and ask others to join the fight. We’re in this together. Let’s protect the responders on the frontlines.”
The GoFundMe page has raised more than $4m so far to help provide healthcare workers with critical supplies.
Williams specified that he has made a donation to the page himself but “wanted to make sure [his] followers had a way to get involved” if needed.
Still, his message was deemed tone-deaf by some, especially as many people face financial difficulties due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
"You and your rich friends have more disposable income so you donate!" one person wrote.
Someone else urged Williams: “Read the room my guy. Read the room.”
“We’re being laid off & can’t pay our bills but thanks for asking,” reads another response.
A representative for Williams contacted by The Independent declined to comment.
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