'Ted Lasso' star Jason Sudeikis says social media companies must do more to combat racism

Creator and star of Apple TV+ comedy Ted Lasso, Jason Sudeikis says that social media companies must do more to combat racial abuse on their platforms.

Sudeikis made his comments in an interview with Vogue following his appearance at the premiere of season 2 of the hit new show, which debuts on Apple's streaming platform this Friday. Sudeikis' appearance at the premiere went viral as he donned a jumper in support of England footballers Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Bukayo Saka, all of whom received racial abuse on social media following the Euro 2020 final.

Sudeikis told Vogue that he had admired England's footballers for taking a knee before games, stating "that was them leading by example, that's leading from the front."

Sudeikis reportedly said that he was "sadly unsurprised" by the hatred directed towards the trio, but called upon social media platforms to do more:

"Until the folks that run these companies step up and handle their effect on the world, they're going to continue to infect the world with their apathy," he says. "Because, right now, until they do, the anonymous Twitter/Instagram/Facebook avatar is just the new Klan hood."

Sudeikis said he had the jumper made especially on the day of the Ted Lasso season two premiere:

"I just felt it was necessary to use the platform of our big, fancy 'worldwide premiere' to try and personify our show's support of those three young men," he says. "Which is why I chose to put their three first names on the sweatshirt. The names their parents gave them."

Sudeikis quipped about his support for England as an American stating, "as we say back home in Kansas City, 'You gotta dance with the one that bought ya." The show's writer and star, who was recently nominated for an Emmy for his performance in Ted Lasso, said that the country "has welcomed us and our production with open arms, hearts and minds. As well as bestowing us with so many of the kind, talented, and hard-working people that work on the show."

Ted Lasso season two premieres on Apple TV+ on July 23.