andPOP » Public Service Announcement

Scarlett Johansson stands with Planned Parenthood in new PSA

Kimberly Rupnarain — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 18:47:26 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

In a new Public Service Announcement posted by Planned Parenthood on YouTube, the stunning Scarlett Johansson urges viewers to join the petition in support of funding for the organization, after the United States House of Representatives passed a bill to eliminate $300 million in federal funding for women’s health care centers.

“The House passed a bill to eliminate our country’s family planning program and to stop Planned Parenthood health centers from receiving any federal money to provide life-saving preventative care,” the 26-year-old actress says. “That means no money for cervical cancer screenings and breast exams. No money for testing and treatment of STDs, not even testing for HIV. No money for birth control.”

Uploaded to YouTube on Thursday, April 7, the website has already removed the petition and replaced it with thank-you to concerned supporters.

“Late Friday night, Congress reached an agreement on the federal budget, and it did not include cuts to Planned Parenthood funding. Together, we have made our voices heard and Congress listened. Now the real fight begins.”

The website goes on to urge supporters to the donate to the cause, citing that the “extremists behind the efforts to bar Planned Parenthood health centers from federal funding… lost that fight — but they were able to use the budget fight to force new burdens on women seeking abortion services in Washington, DC. This victory for their anti-women’s health agenda, along with the fact that they came dangerously close to succeeding in their assault on Planned Parenthood, has surely emboldened them for future attacks.”

The video, which was shared by such websites as UsMagazine online and the New York Daily News, no doubt picked up circulation due to Johansson’s star power. The one day response time to the petition just goes to show the power of celebrity influence.

Anna Paquin Announces her Bisexuality Through Public Service Announcement

Angelina Irinici — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:43:21 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

HBO’s “True Blood” star, Anna Paquin said little that revealed a lot, as part of a videotaped public service announcement.

“I’m bisexual, and I give a damn,” the 27-year-old actress says as part of the True Colors Fund’s Give a Damn campaign that was taped January 30 and kicked off April 1. The campaign features celebs encouraging people to work toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, MTV news reports. Paquin was a bit of a surprise, as organizers were unaware that she was going to declare her bisexuality through the PSA.

The campaign includes a series of videos that also include stars like: Kim Kardashian, Elton John, Cynthia Nixon, Clay Aiken, Whoopi Goldberg, Wanda Sykes, Jason Mraz, Mya, Sharon and Kelly Osbourne and True Colors Fund co-founder Cyndi Lauper.

“One hate crime is committed approximately every hour of every day in this country,” Paquin says, while other celebs add in facts about discrimination.

“Imagine walking down the street and wondering if this is the day you’ll get beaten up or even killed, simply because of who you are,” Elton John says.

Adds Mraz, “It is time for things to change!”

Paquin, a New Zealand native, got engaged to Stephen Moyer, her “True Blood” co-star last August. She plays a telepathic waitress named Sookie Stackhouse, who falls for Moyer’s vampire, Bill Compon. The premier of the third season kicks off on June 13 on HBO.

MTV News asked Moyer for some inside scoop on the third season, but he wasn’t spilling the beans. “I don’t want to give anything away!” he said.

Asher Tells Us About College and A Public Service Announcement from andPOP

Robert Ostfield — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:44:32 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

OK we know what you are thinking, here’s another white kid from the suburbs who thinks he can rap. That’s almost a completely true statement except not only does he think he can rap, a lot of experts think he can too. That’s why after making a friend request on MySpace to Scooter Braun of So So Def Records, he was signed shortly after. Check out the interview and also check out the PSA from andPOP. Please help the children!