Terry Crews had a tense exchange with CNN’s Don Lemon regarding Black Lives Matter and its purpose.
Crews has faced criticism for some of his recent comments about the movement.
Last month, he tweeted in part: “We must ensure #blacklivesmatter doesn’t morph into #blacklivesbetter”, which many Twitter users took issue with.
A few days later, Crews shared another tweet – quoted by Lemon on his segment – which stated: “Are all white people bad? No. Are all black people good? No. Knowing this reality- I stand on my decision to unite with good people, no matter the race, creed or ideology. Given the number of threats against this decision – I also decide to die on this hill.”
Crews appeared on CNN Tonight with Don Lemon on Monday to discuss the topic.
When Crews brought up “black on black gun violence”, Lemon countered his apparent suggestion that the issue isn’t being discussed enough, telling the actor: “There are people in those communities who are – those people aren’t just being nonchalant about gun violence. …There are many people who are working in those communities to try to get rid of the violence.
“The gun culture in this country is prevalent, but I don’t understand what that has to do with a movement that’s for equality for black people.”
Crews countered that in his view, “black people need to hold other black people accountable”, adding: “This is black America’s version of the #MeToo movement.”
He also took exception with the criticism he has faced, to which Lemon said: “You’re a high-profile person, you’re writing things out there, you know you’re going to get backlash. You know people are going to respond to what you’re saying on Twitter. I don’t think you should be surprised by that.”
Lemon added: “The Black Lives Matter movement was started because it was talking about police brutality. If you want an ‘All Black Lives Matter’ movement that talks about gun violence in communities, including black communities, then start that movement with that name.
“But that’s not what Black Lives Matter is about. It’s not an all-encompassing [movement]. …The Black Lives Matter movement is about police brutality and injustice in that manner.”
