President Barack Obama premiered a special PSA against domestic violence as part of the White House Campaign ‘It’s On Us’ during the Grammys, followed by a spoken word performance from survivor and activist Brooke Axtell.

President Obama #ItsOnUs

Obama appeared in the pre-taped PSA that aired as part of the Grammys ceremony. “Artists have a unique power to change minds and attitudes, and get us thinking and talking about what matters. And all of us, in our own lives, have the power to set an example,” Obama said.

President Obama asked that the performers in the audience as well as the viewers watching at home take the ‘It’s On Us’ Pledge and move to end domestic violence.

“It’s on us – all of us – to create a culture where violence isn’t tolerated, where survivors are supported, and where all our young people, men and women, can go as far as their talents and their dreams will take them,” Obama concluded.

Brooke Axtell And Katy Perry Perform

Following Obama’s message, Axtell, an activist from Texas, took to the stage to perform a short spoken word piece, supposedly about her own experience with domestic violence and abuse, as an introduction to Katy Perry’s emotional performance of “By the Grace of God.”

“Authentic love does not devalue another human being. Authentic love does not silence, shame or abuse,” Axtell said.

#ItsOnUs

Many on Twitter were quick to answer the President’s call to action, spreading the ‘It’s On Us’ campaign. “#ItsOnUs and you know it,” tweeted Grammy-nominee Ed Sheeran.

Twitter Calls Out GRAMMYs For Celebrating Chris Brown

The decision to put a spotlight on domestic violence at the Grammys, while well-intentioned, raised a few eyebrows from fans who were quick to point out the organization’s hypocrisy: advocating to fight against domestic violence while glorifying nominees Chris Brown and R Kelley, both of whom have been in court on charges of domestic violence or sexual abuse.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.