Stars have been using their influence and wealth to contribute to various charities throughout the years, and this year many celebrities have done astounding work for coronavirus relief funds. However, the public believes that some have used their status in a negative way.

     One of the most successful relief funds that celebrities contributed to was the One World: Together at Home Concert on April 18. This was organized by Global Citizen and singer, Lady Gaga and supported frontline healthcare workers and the World Health Organization. The concert was able to raise $128 million for coronavirus relief.

     While a large amount of celebrities have made significant progress in the fight against COVID-19 and supporting essential workers, some have received negativity for their lack of contribution. An extremely controversial “contribution” was a video of celebrities singing a cover of “Imagine” by John Lennon. This video included cameos from Gal Gadot, Mark Ruffalo, Will Ferrell etc. 

     This video has been heavily criticized by the New York Times. 

   “Their genial naïveté is blinding them to the grossest sin here: the smug self-satisfaction, the hubris of the alleged good deed. The presumption that an empty and profoundly awkward gesture from a passel of celebrities has any meaning whatsoever borders on delusion…” wrote Jon Caramanica from the New York Times. 

     Penn-Trafford junior Madalyn Cantini, however, had a more positive view of the viral video. 

     “I personally thought the video was cool. A lot of celebrities can sometimes hold this power over people and when they see them donating they feel inclined to do the same. In reality no one is there telling you that you have to donate,” stated Cantini. 

     Whether the video is viewed as a positive or a negative by the public, it is certain that other celebrities have done their part to help the community. 

     Cantini had also mentioned the contributions that pop singer Pink had made for coronavirus relief funds. Pink revealed that she and her son had tested positive for COVID-19 in early April. After their recovery she had donated $500 thousand to Temple University Hospital Emergency Fund and $500 thousand to the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Emergency COVID-19 Crisis Fund.

     The fight against coronavirus has not been easy, and as America passes 1 million cases, it is more important than ever that communities are being uplifted and that essential workers are being supported.  It is donations and events such as the “One World” concert that provide for others to remind everyone that no one is alone during these troubling times.

Maddie Decker, A&E Editor