Many people believe that athletes and celebrities shouldn’t talk about politics because it ruins the industry.
This has prevented public figures from being able to express themselves freely without backlash.
Recently, more and more people have been pushing for public figures to use their platforms for good use and to spread awareness about current events.

On the other hand, there has been a new vendetta against celebrities and athletes speaking out against political issues and it’s affecting their free speech.

The International Olympic Committee revealed its policy on no demonstrations on the field of play, during official ceremonies and at the podium.

Black Lives Matter apparel was added to the list of banned items, and this caused outrage in many communities.
Many users on TikTok and Twitter argued that BLM is not a political issue, it’s a human rights issue.
The ban on BLM apparel was completely unjustified.

This is not the first time athletes were permitted from expressing their freedom of speech.
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kapernick protested the oppression of black people in America by taking a knee.

He faced extreme backlash from fans, coaches and politicians as well.

By the end of the 2016 season, Kapernick opted out of his contract after being blackballed by NFL coaches.
Politicians such as former President Donald Trump called for any athletes that kneeled to be fired.

“As an athlete myself, I think that it’s important to give everyone an equal opportunity to express their emotions and opinions. BLM has never been a political issue and it shouldn’t be considered as one either, it’s a fight for equal human rights and an end to police brutality,” junior Michael Bekele said.

Other athletes such as NBA star Lebron James went under scrutiny for kneeling during the National Anthem and wearing BLM apparel.

People want to silence public figures for speaking about important issues because they don’t want to acknowledge the oppression against minorities.

The IOC intends to ban anyone that doesn’t abide by the rules, and this has led to many people boycotting this year’s Olympic games which take place in Tokyo on July 23.