On Sept. 16, 2024, actress and “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Garcelle Beauvais took to Instagram to address the dangerous rhetoric surrounding Haitian immigrants, particularly in light of recent comments made by former President Donald Trump. Beauvais, a Haitian immigrant herself, expressed her outrage over the claims being spread by Trump and JD Vance, emphasizing the need for the public to vote to combat this chaos.
Beauvais refuses to stay silent
In her powerful video, Beauvais stated, “Staying silent in the face of racism and hate is something that I refuse to do.” She highlighted the hurtful nature of the lies being told about the Haitian community, asserting that these misconceptions are not only damaging but also dangerous. As someone who moved to the United States at the age of 7, Beauvais has a personal connection to the immigrant experience and feels a responsibility to defend her community.
Addressing misconceptions about immigrants
Beauvais took the opportunity to dispel myths surrounding immigrants’ intentions when they come to America. She passionately stated, “Coming to America, working hard, that’s what we do. Coming from gratitude.” Her remarks are a reminder that immigrants often seek better opportunities and contribute positively to society.
Trump’s controversial claims
The actress’ comments were in direct response to Trump’s outrageous claims made during a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump suggested that migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were engaging in bizarre and violent behavior, including eating pets. Despite the moderators fact-checking these statements during the debate, a significant portion of Trump supporters still believe these falsehoods, according to a recent YouGov poll.
Impact on the Haitian community
In the wake of Trump’s inflammatory remarks, there has been a troubling increase in violence against the Haitian community in Springfield. Reports indicate that Wittenberg University had to cancel an event following a bomb threat targeting Haitian members of the community. This alarming trend underscores the real-world consequences of spreading hate and misinformation.
Beauvais calls for action
In her video, Beauvais urged her followers to take action by registering to vote. She emphasized that voting is a powerful tool to bring about change and combat the chaos that has been perpetuated by political figures. “The power we have is to vote, to register and vote, and stop this madness, this chaos,” she stated. With elections approaching, Beauvais’ message is a call to action for her community and beyond.
Support from the community
Beauvais’ heartfelt message resonated with many, garnering support from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Jamie Foxx and other members of the “Real Housewives” franchise expressed their solidarity with her cause. Crystal Kung Minkoff commented, “Supporting you and your community ❤️❤️,” while Andy Cohen added, “It’s about HUMANITY. Thank you @garcelle 🇺🇸.” This outpouring of support highlights the importance of unity in the face of adversity.
Beauvais’ courageous stand against racism and her call to action for voting serve as a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have in advocating for their communities. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for voices like Beauvais’ to be heard, encouraging others to stand up against hate and misinformation.
