Rihanna, Meek Mill, Megan Thee Stallion, Migos, Nas & More Sign Open Letter Urging for Reform in the NYPD
Many notable figures in the entertainment industry are doing their part to show that they’re in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Hundreds of members of the music community including artists, executives, publishers, record labels, and more signed an open letter calling for New York state to repeal statute 50-A. This law protects police officers’ personnel and disciplinary records from public view.
Laws like the 50-A and the Qualified Immunity Act has allowed police brutality and public lynching to go on without these criminals taking any accountability or facing repercussions.
“We mourn the killing of George Floyd and the unnecessary loss of so many black lives before his,” states the letter, which was signed by Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Migos, Megan Thee Stallion, Justin Bieber, Meek Mill, Nas, Demi Lovato and more. “We must hold accountable those who violate the oath to protect and serve, and find justice for those who are victim to their violence. An indispensable step is having access to disciplinary records of law enforcement officers. New York statute 50-A blocks that full transparency, shielding a history of police misconduct from public scrutiny, making it harder to seek justice and bring about reform. It must be repealed immediately.”
The letter is addressed to NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.
“We were pleased to hear the Governor’s statement that 50-A should not prohibit the release of disciplinary records,” the letter continues. “But, clearly, it is not enough. 50-A has been used far too often in the past and, without repeal, it will continue to be used to block justice. When the Legislature returns this week, we urge members to recognize the moment, take one loud, bold, and meaningful step in addressing this systemic problem, and swiftly repeal 50-A.”
The open letter is accompanied by a petition which you can find here.