PSAs: Public Service Announcement Campaigns

This Gun Violence PSA Sneaks School Shooter Lines Into Stand-up Sets

Celebrity comedians present violence as a joke to prove that it's not one

Sandy-Hook-Campaign — Comedians including Wanda Sykes and Billy Eichner test these lines on an unknowing audience. Sandy Hook Promise / BBDO NY

By Emmy Liederman

It’s no secret that collaboration is essential to growth, but the how of it isn’t always so clear—and it's the understanding of how that is a true competitive advantage. Join Adweek X, a uniquely formatted event on December 4 in LA, to unlock fresh perspectives, true collaboration and growth.

[Sensitive content: This article discusses gun violence.]

When Wanda Sykes told her audience that “Some shit’s gonna go down, and I don’t think you’re going to like it,” she wasn’t teeing up a heartless comedy set. Instead, Sykes was resurfacing the language of a South Carolina school shooter—whose words were deemed hollow until he opened fire in an elementary school playground.

Sandy Hook Promise is taking a new approach to gun violence prevention by spotlighting the deadly association between violence and humor.

Emmy Liederman

Emmy is an Adweek staff writer covering agencies, influencers and the creator economy.

Recommended articles