Many in the fitness industry took a break from offering workout tips and nutrition advice to address the death of George Floyd, issues of racism, and condemn protests that have evolved into looting and riots across the United States over the past few days.
George Floyd, a Black man, was arrested on May 25 on the suspicion that he used a counterfeit $20 bill at a deli in Minneapolis. During the arrest, a White police officer pinned Floyd’s neck to the ground with his knee for nearly 9 minutes, according to official reports, despite Floyd telling the officers he couldn’t breathe. Floyd was later pronounced dead.
The officer was later fired and charged with third-degree murder.
Civil rights activists quickly condemned the officer’s actions, and called it another act of racism and abuse of power by police. Protests started in Minneapolis, which despite starting off peacefully quickly turned violent. Minneapolis police precincts were targeted, as were stores throughout the city.
Similar protests and riots followed in major cities across the country, including in New York, Houston, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C.
In social media posts throughout the weekend, fitness celebrities agreed that America needs to do a better job addressing systemic racism and weeding out corrupt cops. But some disagreed with the actions of the protesters, with some standing behind them full force and others calling out those who took advantage of the chaos to loot stores and attack police officers.
Here are just some examples of how the fitness industry’s top stars have reacted to the news.
The seven-time Mr. Olympia and former California governor authored an essay on The Atlantic in which he stated the protests “have brought another brutal reminder that America isn’t perfect.” In 1968, the year Arnold immigrated to America, people were protesting inequality and they still are today.
“It has to stop. It will take all of us standing up. It will take better training for police officers. It will take the majority of police officers, who are good, pushing for change. But it has to stop,” Arnold writes in his essay, which you can read here.
The White House chef and push-up fanatic has condemned the actions that led to Floyd’s death, but in separate Instagram posts he has also heavily criticized the protesters’ violent actions.
“Violence is NEVER an answer, DESTRUCTION only brings more destruction,” he wrote in one post.
The celebrity trainer and Muscle and Fitness contributor has struggled to explain the past few days to his children. “Mel and I are raising them to treat ALL equally and with love. We pray that justice is served, and we can all unite as one,” Saladino wrote.
The world’s leading YouTube fitness commentator wrote in a lengthy post that he hopes justice is served in the Floyd case, and that the rioting stops and people find a more peaceful way to protest.
“The images of armies of police marching through the streets shooting flash bangs and tear gas at crowds is the scariest scene I’ve seen on TV,” he wrote. “Hopefully the news is giving is an accurate non biased picture of what’s really happening.”
John David Glaude has a Black niece named Faith, and wrote that it pains him she’ll be viewed differently than him by some.
“Her skin color is different than mine, and it hurts my heart that SHE will have different opportunities and experiences than me because of that,” he wrote, later including the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter.
Manager Matt, liaison to some of the fitness industry’s biggest stars, has been vocal on the issue of systemic racism. He posted this video of protesters silently performing the Black Power Salute at a rally in Minneapolis.
Heath also spoke on the issue of racism in the United States, speaking of his own personal experience as a child. He recalled a conversation with his father.
“‘Dad, why is it that my [Black] people are treated this way?’ He would explain how society and ‘some’ police view us differently and the importance to be prepared for a possible situation which could literally mean LIFE or DEATH by the hands of an officer of the law. ‘But what did I do Dad? Why would someone do this?’”
Greene also spoke about being a Black man in the United States, and the troubles that come with it at times.
“My outward appearance has been a double edged sword,” he wrote. “A hero to those who know me, listen to me, yet a fearful monster to those who merely see me as a passerby. The world needs change.”
While calling for systematic change, Rashid has also come to the defense of the country’s law enforcement personnel.
“I got tons of homies, close friends that are in law enforcement, I know most police officers are good men & women, doing their best to honor their badge and protect and serve us. But there are evil weeds in their gardens that need to be eradicated,” he wrote, sharing a viral clip of a Flint police chief standing in unison with protesters.
The Canadian posted a message of solidarity on his Instagram.
“I’m definitely one to stick to myself and stay in my own lane. While it leads to not being involved in any problems, it also means not being involved in any solutions. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that beating bullshit like this takes a little help from EVERYONE.”
