Ellie Goulding says she’s ‘ashamed she didn’t listen more’ in wake of Black Lives Matter protests

Ellie Goulding has joined several celebrities who are using their platforms to draw attention to systemic racism and the important work of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The 33-year-old promised to be a “better ally” in future, dedicating herself towards dismantling white privilege and recognising her unconscious bias.

Goulding wrote on Twitter: “After being initially horrified, I [spent] the past few days learning and listening, opening my ears to voices that have been protesting this for years and dedicating their lives to it, to voices I am ashamed that I didn’t listen to more, to history I safely and comfortably knew a bit about but not enough.

“I’m letting you all know that I am now a student of this forever, so that I can become an ally. I am confronting the truths head on. I am recognising unconscious bias.”

She continued: “I am consciously understanding white privilege and how it got the most of us to where we are now.”

“I take it upon MYSELF to learn, not others. I will ENGAGE now and always. I know the importance of coming together for a greater purpose. Our ability to create change is real!!!

Goulding adding: “This is not an ‘American issue’ this is confronting the disease of systemic racism and inequality that still exists all over the world.

“To the protestors out there, I am here for you and here to fight with you.”

Goulding’s comments come after ex-police officer Derek Chauvin was charged with third degree murder after kneeling on George Floyd‘s neck for more than eight minutes.

The charge has since been updated to second degree murder.

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