Monitoring Desk
LOS ANGELES: There’s a growing backlash surrounding the upcoming CBS series “The Activist” and Priyanka Chopra has weighed in.
The actress, who was attached to serve as a judge of the show where activists compete in several challenges for a cash grant and to raise awareness for their particular causes, said the show “missed the mark” and understood why critics called it “tone-deaf.”
Responded to the controversy about exploitation, Chopra took to Instagram to acknowledge the growing complaints, declaring to fans “You were heard.”
“The show got it wrong, and I’m sorry that my participation in it disappointed many of you,” the “Quantico” star continued. “The intention was always to bring attention to the people behind the ideas and highlight the actions and impact of the causes they support tirelessly.”
On Wednesday, the network scrapped plans for its five-week competition show, and promised instead pivot to a documentary series to “showcase the tireless work of six activists and the impact they have advocating for causes they deeply believe in.”
Referencing the show’s new direction, Chopra — who was to join R&B crooner Usher and former “Dancing with the Stars” pro Julianne Hough as a judge — added, “I’m happy to know that in this new format, their stories will be the highlight, and I’m proud to collaborate with partners who have their ear to the ground and know when it’s time to hit pause and re-evaluate.”
“The Activist” was originally intended to premiere in late October. CBS and the show’s production partners Global Citizen and Live Nation, have yet to announce the show’s new airdate.
