Jay-Z and Beyoncé may be the toast of Hip-Hop, and the year’s top earning celebrity couple, but when it comes to social issues, they’re not doing so well—according to Harry Belafonte. The legendary actor and social activist told the Hollywood Reporter that he is unhappy with the depictions of minorities in Hollywood, and name checks The Carters for not doing their part.
“It is all — excuse my French — sh-t,” he said. “It is sad. And I think one of the great abuses of this modern time is that we should have had such high-profile artists, powerful celebrities. But they have turned their back on social responsibility. That goes for Jay-Z and Beyonce, for example. Give me Bruce Springsteen, and now you’re talking. I really think he is black.”
Although Jay and Bey are mum on certain controversial issues— like the shooting death of Trayvon Martin— they have used their notoriety to bring awareness to charity and other topics. As previously reported, Beyoncé signed on to promote the United Nation’s Global Humanitarian Campaign, encouraging people around the world to share their stories of philanthropy.
As for Hov, he got in on the Occupy Wall St. craze, by releasing “Occupy All Streets” shirts through his Rocawear brand, but came under fire for not donating the proceeds to the cause.
Clearly not one to hold his tongue, 85-year-old Belafonte was even more candid about politics. When asked if he wanted hopeful Mitt Romney to win this year’s election he replied “Only if I would like to see the end of civilization.”
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Photo: Hollywood Reporter
