Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Zac Efron criticised for celebrating Martin Luther King day and reaching 10m Instagram followers in the same tweet

The We Are Your Friends actor was accused of disrespecting King by highlighting his own achievement 

Heather Saul
Tuesday 19 January 2016 18:28 GMT
Comments
Zac Efron
Zac Efron (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Zac Efron has been criticised for his tribute on Martin Luther King Day.

On Monday 18 January, people across the world remembered Martin Luther King and his efforts in advancing the civil rights movement in a heavily segregated America. But Efron came under fire for celebrating Dr King’s legacy at the same time as highlighting that his Instagram following had reached 10 million.

A number of people reacted angrily to his decision to mark both events in the same tweet, with some accusing Efron of "disrespect" with his post.

Martin Luther King Day is a national holiday in the US and marks Dr King’s birthday, who was just 39 when he was shot and fatally wounded during a march by workers campaigning against low pay. A leader of the civil rights movement in the 1950s, Dr King urged people to peacefully campaign against racism, segregation and for equal rights for black people living in the US.

The Independent has contacted Efron’s publicist for comment.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in