A short tweet posted by the popular singer Rihanna has prompted huge interactions on social media platforms, especially in India, as the famous singer who is followed by more than 100 million people tweeted in support of the on-going farmer's protests in India.
why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest https://t.co/obmIlXhK9S
— Rihanna (@rihanna) February 2, 2021
Since the early days of December, thousands of Indian farmers have been protesting across the country and blocking roads in Delhi as they demanded that their government withdraws three new agricultural laws deemed damaging to their already-troubled industry.
Even though protests have been largely peaceful, the short violent interactions with police have been barely covered by international media, which has urged the American-Barbadian singer to tweet a question over the global silence in regard to the farmers' protests, especially that reports are pointing at a government crackdown on the protests, evident in frequent internet cuts witnessed in Delhi.
The link to the CNN article has ignited social media as near 800k followers linked Rihanna's tweet while more than 40k has shared the news again.
We cannot thank Riri enough for the part she has played! ?????? #FarmerProtest #IStandWithFarmers (Image: @sanitarypanels) pic.twitter.com/g3MwBqrHgp
— Rema Sanghera (@RemaSanghera) February 3, 2021
RiRi has entered the chat.
— Hasan Minhaj (@hasanminhaj) February 3, 2021
FYI, PBS @NewsHour did a fantastic, simple primer to help folks understand the protests and the new laws devastating Indian farmers. Please check it out: https://t.co/3UNrbgw5zE https://t.co/hUr3N4fjdk
Indian commentators in favor of the protests have thanked Rihanna for her tweet, saying that it helps their "just demands" being heard across the world.
A classic example of how 'Little knowledge is dangerous'. International celebrities should study the issue before pledging support. #FarmerProtest @narendramodi @PMOIndia @AmitShah @JPNadda
— Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo (@sksingh_deo) February 4, 2021
Meanwhile, pro-government online commentators argued that Rihanna and other international figures "should not take sides in conflicts they don't know enough about," urging them to hear the other sides before commenting on events.
“Paid actors,” huh? Quite the casting director, I hope they’re not overlooked during awards season. I stand with the farmers. #FarmersProtest pic.twitter.com/moONj03tN0
— Mia K. (@miakhalifa) February 3, 2021
Additionally, former Lebanese-American porn star Mia Khalifa has tweeted in support of Indian farmers, as her tweet went viral online.