Amy Schumer has said she is “sickened” by the fact the US Senate failed to pass a series of gun control measures.
The 35-year-old comedian, who is a vocal gun control advocate, said the Senate was solely guided by financial motivations.
On Monday, the Senate failed to agree on four gun-related amendments following the Orlando shooting nearly two weeks ago. A total of 49 people were killed and 53 were injured after Omar Mateen stormed an LGBT nightclub on 12 June in what has been labelled the biggest mass shooting in modern US history.
“I am sickened by the cowardice of these people who are supposed to lead us,” Schumer told Politico.
“Their dedication seems to be only to dollar signs for their own pockets. In November, we will remember who stood with the gun lobby, rather than their constituents, as we mourned for Orlando.”
Schumer has also shared a sketch to raise people’s awareness about the issue of gun reform. The two-minute Inside Amy Schumer clip was originally cut from the “Welcome to the Gun Show” episode which aired in April but it has now been released because Schumer felt it held heightened resonance in the wake of Orlando.
The sketch titled “Gun Lawyer” is a parody of a law firm television advert and includes fictional gun violence victims who have unsuccessfully tried to take their cases to court.
Schumer became a vocal advocate for stricter gun controls last year after two people were fatally shot at a screening of her movie Trainwreck in Lafayette, Louisiana. In the wake of the shooting, Schumer and her cousin Senator Chuck Schumer hosted a press conference to present a proposal for more stringent gun legisation.
Some of Hollywood’s most prominent influencers are also calling for greater gun controls and expressing their frustration at the Senate’s recent rejection. Billboard magazine has released an open letter to Congress signed by 133 actors and musicians as well as 57 executives.
Among the list of names are Alicia Keys, Beck, Billy Joel, Britney Spears, Calvin Harris, Cher, Elvis Costello, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Paul McCartney, Zayn Malik and more.
