The American music channels MTV and VH1 broadcast a black screen with breathing sounds in the background for almost nine minutes on Monday night, as an ode to the late George Floyd.
The phrase ‘ I can’t breathe ‘ adorned the black screen . This sentence was uttered several times by Floyd when an American police officer sat with his knee on his neck.
The broadcast lasted a total of 8 minutes and 46 seconds. It was exactly that long that the agent in question pressed Floyd’s neck, resulting in his death. The African American’s death sparked worldwide protests against excessive police brutality and racism.
Other ViacomCBS stations such as BET and Comedy Central also broadcast the message. Director Chris McCarthy told employees in an email that the broadcast was intended to support the Black Lives Matter movement, writes US music website Billboard .
“We know we have a lot of work to do and I am ready to go for it completely. We must continue to work together and support each other, with compassion for each other.”
For 8 minutes and 46 seconds, we will go dark in tribute to George Floyd. We dedicate this time to the victims of police brutality and the powerful movement fighting for justice. Join @ColorofChange. Text DEMANDS to 55156. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/X6587CxuOw
— VH1 (@VH1) June 1, 2020