The Show Must Be Paused: Entertainment Companies Suspend Business on "Black Out Tuesday"

United Talent Agency (UTA) posted a plain black image with its statement in the caption. "Tomorrow, June 2, UTA will join the Blackout Tuesday movement- suspending our business operations in solidarity with the black community and those fighting against social injustice in our country." UTA has a wide roster of actors and comedians. Its comedy lineup includes Ali Wong, Bert Kreischer, Billy Eichner, Chris Tucker, The Lonely Island, and more.

Creative Artists Agency has also joined the cause. CAA is one of the largest talent agencies with branches in film, television, music, and sports. CAA Music also took to IG to announce that it will "stop the music and the business of sports and entertainment." The intention is "to grieve, to listen, to read, and better to educate ourselves on the underpinnings of systemic racism."

ICM Partners, whose international touring roster includes Khalid, Boyz II Men, Charlie Wilson, Migos, and more, also declared solidarity with their colleagues. Their statement said ICM would suspend all work on Black Out Tuesday. The company called it "an important step in our continuing efforts to acknowledge the effects of racism and our desire to eradicate it."

Media giant Viacom CBS also pledged to "stand in solidarity with our Black colleagues, creators, partners, and audiences." It will also "condemn all acts of racism, discrimination, and senseless acts of violence."

Music Industry Also Suspends Business for "Black Out Tuesday"

The move parallels the initiative from the music industry to take part in Black Out Tuesday. Major recording labels Atlantic, Capitol, Interscope, Geffen, A&M (IGA), and more have released statements on the matter. Columbia Records posted on Instagram that "Black Out Tuesday" is "not a day off. Instead, this is a day to reflect and figure out ways to move forward in solidarity."

In its effort towards ending racism, Universal Music Group has laid plans to create a task force. This task force will "accelerate our efforts in areas such as inclusion and social justice." UMG top brass Lucian Grainge explained, chief legal counsel Jeff Harleston will head it. He will be joined by "a group of qualified executives" to plan the company's initiative. UMG covers many record labels, including IGA, Capitol, Republic, Def Jam, and more.

The Black Out Tuesday is a nationwide initiative. It is a non-violent protest urging people to take the day off to reflect on institutional racism. It also aims to police brutality that took the life of George Floyd. The 46-year-old black man died as a local police officer knelt on his neck during an arrest attempt. Celebrities have also joined the call. Among these artists are "Princess of Pop" Britney Spears, who wrote on Twitter that she would refrain from social media on June 2.

Meanwhile, Kehlani had a thought contrary to the initial call. Hers is to spend no dollar on "Black Out Tuesday." Instead of not spending a single dollar, she called on the people to open their wallets to bail protestors out.