June 8, 2020
Where do we start?
Once again, we were witness to another senseless killing. As we watched the disturbing images of George Floyd’s death, we understood the anguish and righteous indignation that was playing out in the streets of our cities. The profound tragedy of the current moment is that the black community has been enduring these acts of racism, repression, and injustice for a long, long time. Things are not getting worse. They are getting revealed.
Our visceral reaction to these recent events was immediate. Now, individually and as a company, we are taking the time to reflect on our uncomfortable truths, to collect our thoughts, and to formulate a meaningful plan of action as we declare our stand and add our voice to the growing chorus crying out for change.
At PLAYSTUDIOS, the first of our three core values is to “PLAY better together.” This speaks to our belief in the power of community. The power of diversity. The power of coordinated action. Nothing truly great or difficult is ever done alone. It is always done together, with others. And now, we need to use our collective power to speak out, to change, and to heal. As Martin Luther King once said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
PLAYSTUDIOS will no longer remain silent.
We denounce racism in all its forms. We will advocate for diversity and examine our own practices to see how we can foster a more inclusive company and culture. We will encourage our partners and other stakeholders to do the same.
We condemn the unjustified use of excessive force by law enforcement officers, the disregard for due process under the law, and any government action that limits our rights to free speech and peaceable assembly. We will support civic education and engagement efforts to ensure we elect thoughtful leaders – locally and nationally – who share these values.
We acknowledge the inter-generational effects of systemic racism. We will stand in solidarity with and support the efforts of other individuals and organizations who are working full-time to advance the causes of both retributive and restorative justice.
Today, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and community of George Floyd. And soon, our actions will follow.
On behalf of PLAYSTUDIOS,
Andrew Pascal
CEO, PLAYSTUDIOS Inc.
