New York has long been a setting for celebrities who passionately advocate for and advocate for a variety of political causes. But not all causes are created equal, at least when using celebrity involvement as a measure.
From fighting for libraries to adding cultural weight to the fight for criminal justice reform, here are some of the most prominent movements in the state in recent years.
library
When New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced cuts to library budgets this year and last, chapter leaders sounded the alarm that the cuts would push the system to breaking point, and a series of prominent figures took action. Last year, Sex and the City actor Sarah Jessica Parker tagged the mayor and City Council in an Instagram post calling for the restoration of library funding. Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, also called for the cuts to be reversed. In June 2023, singer and actor Bette Midler sent a letter to Adams, writing, “These cuts will force the library to reduce its hours and even close weekend branches across the city.” urged them to reconsider. This budget cycle has drawn similar protests. Actor LeVar Burton, host of “Reading Rainbow,” recently sent a letter to New York Public Library members urging New Yorkers to sign a petition calling for the cuts to be reversed.
criminal justice reform
Bail reform in particular is forcing many celebrities to take action. In 2019, singer John Legend co-authored an op-ed with state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris calling for an end to cash bail. Rapper Common also strongly advocates for bail reform. A few years ago, actor Jeffrey Wright narrated a video calling for reform of the state's public defense system.
animal rights
Central Park's horse-drawn carriages have had a cult following for at least a decade.
Ten years ago, actor Liam Neeson became known as a pseudo-spokesperson for carriage drivers and other industry supporters. They needed all the star power they could get, with Alec Baldwin, Gloria Steinem, Lea Michele and Miley Cyrus all supporting the ban. Years later, celebrities continued to line up to support the ban, especially after a horse named Ryder collapsed from the heat on a New York City street in 2022. The following month, Rooney was joined by Kate Mara, Sarah Silverman, Ricky Gervais and Edie. Falco, Marisa Tomei and many other celebrities signed a letter asking the City Council to ban horse-drawn carriages.
And it's not just horse-drawn carriages. The fur ban has also attracted the attention of celebrities, including vocal animal rights activist Wu-Tang Clan rapper RZA, who in 2019 spoke to the animal rights group Ethical Treatment of Animals. We are writing a letter of support to the New York City Council in collaboration with People for the Future. Forbidden.
