The cast of Bling Empire recently turned to social media to raise awareness of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) bigotry. Recent events in Atlanta have spurred the cast into action. The wealthy Asian and Asian American castmates are known for their glamorous lifestyles, but they took a somber stance to raise awareness of AAPI hate. Cast shared videos and photos in of the AAPI community on their Instagram profiles.
An attack by a gunman in Atlanta, Georgia, recently sent shockwaves through the Asian-American community when six of his victims were cited as being of Asian descent. Atlanta police continue to offer to the AAPI community. Some individuals responded to the tragedy by organizing and raising awareness of AAPI hate. Now, the cast of Bling Empire is using social media to voice their as well.
Kane from Bling Empire shared that he was once a victim of an attack. He exclaimed in a video and caption that “Hate is a virus. We are one people, one race and one world.” Kane encouraged his followers “(tag someone or comment if you or anyone you know have been a target of a racist attack. We cannot stay silent).”
Andrew, the ex-boyfriend of Kelly from Bling Empire, posted a video of ers holding signs on the street to raise awareness of AAPI hate. Andrew shouted from a moving car, “You guys are amazing. You guys are loved. God bless you all. Thank you so much.” A enger in the car also chimes in “We you guys. Thank you.” Kelly from Bling Empire posted a screenshot of her tweet raising awareness of AAPI hate. Kelly’s tweet reads, “Completely heartbroken...Sending love, prayers, and to those affected by last night’s shooting in ATL. My heart goes out to our Asian community, & please stand with us against hate crimes. We must come together and fight for change. #StopAsianHate.” Kevin also posted a photo. The model began a lengthy caption with, “I’m heartbroken about the news in Atlanta. I only want to be helpful, but I don’t have all the answers. I’ve always tried to be strong for others and to be an example, but today, I’m messed up, I’m devastated that Asian hate crimes and violence is getting worse.” He encouraged his followers, “Call or send a text to your friends who are Asian American, no matter how much you think they have it together.”
Many companies and individuals are standing together to raise awareness of AAPI hate. Christine from Bling Empire thanked Elle USA for its and informed her followers that awareness and donations are a good place to start ing the Asian-American community. The cast is known for its wealth, but Christine ends by challenging followers to “put your money where your mouth is and contribute to an AAPI charity.”
Sources: Kane Lim, Andrew Gray, Kelly Mi Li, Kevin Kreider, Christine Chiu