Celebrities, Influencers and Authoritarian Regimes

Description:

Authoritarian regimes weaponize the power of celebrities to whitewash their corruption and human rights abuses. Victorious athletes at the World Cup or famous singers performing concerts for dictators drown out the suffering of millions of people living under these regimes, allowing them to grandstand on the world stage alongside democratic countries.

With the power of celebrity and money comes responsibility. In this panel, we will discuss how celebrities and social media influencers legitimize authoritarian regimes through their events, partnerships, and money. We will also discuss how celebrity influence can be used as a force for good. Lastly, we will explore better practices for industries and how activists on the ground can make a difference.