Olivia Rodrigo is standing up for the vulnerable. I wish Taylor Swift would do the same | Arwa Mahdawi
This weekend, Rodrigo raised millions for charities that benefit women and girls, and she has previously been vocal about Gaza and Ice. With free speech increasingly under threat, her peers should take note Donald Trump, the 80-year-old president of the United States, spent his weekend whining about a lake and posting memes of Donald’s Ducks . While he was busy with his ducks, Olivia Rodrigo, a…
Olivia Rodrigo, the 23-year-old pop star, has been making waves by using her platform to raise funds for women-focused charities this weekend. Her actions come at a time when free speech is under threat, with Donald Trump, the 80-year-old US president, dominating the headlines with his antics. While Trump was preoccupied with his ducks and memes, Rodrigo orchestrated the Daisy Chain Fields festival, an event aimed at raising money for organizations supporting women's rights.
The festival, which took place on Saturday, attracted female artists and raised an impressive $10 million, which was later matched by Melinda French Gates, bringing the total to $20 million.
In a world where women's rights are regressing and civil liberties are under attack, Rodrigo's efforts are commendable. It is disheartening to see how Trump has managed to bully US institutions, leading to the defunding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, media outlets kowtowing to the US king, and tech CEOs aligning themselves with him.
The singer's actions serve as a reminder that there are still those who are willing to stand up for the vulnerable, even in the face of adversity. It remains to be seen if other celebrities will follow Rodrigo's example and use their influence to make a difference.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian US's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
