Cole Sprouse Arrested During George Floyd Protest in Santa Monica

Over the weekend, “Riverdale” star Cole Sprouse was one of the many stars to take part in the protests for George Floyd.

On Monday, Sprouse revealed on Instagram, “A group of peaceful protesters, myself included, were arrested yesterday in Santa Monica. So before the voracious horde of media sensationalism decides to somehow turn it about me, there's a clear need to speak about the circumstances: Black Lives Matter. Peace, riots, looting, are an absolutely legitimate form of protest.”

Along with noting that he was among a group of people “detained when standing in solidarity” for the Black Lives Matter movement, Sprouse added, “We were given the option to leave, and were informed that if we did not retreat, we would be arrested. When many did turn to leave, we found another line of police officers blocking our route, at which point, they started zip tying us. It needs to be stated that as a straight white man, and a public figure, the institutional consequences of my detainment are nothing in comparison to others within the movement.”

Saying the “narrative” wasn't about him, Cole emphasized, “This is, and will be, a time about standing ground near others as a situation escalates, providing educated support, demonstrating and doing the right thing. This is precisely the time to contemplate what it means to stand as an ally. I hope others in my position do as well.”

He continued, “I noticed that there are cameras that roll within the police cruisers during the entirety of our detainment, hope it helps. I'll speak no more on the subject, as I'm (1) not well versed enough to do so, (2) not the subject of the movement, and (3) uninterested in drawing attention away from the leaders of the #BLM movement. I will be, again, posting the link in my story to a comprehensive document for donations and support.”

Other big names protesting in Santa Monica on Sunday were Halsey, Yungblud, Emily Ratajkowski, and Machine Gun Kelly.

There have been days of protests nationwide after video showed white police officer Derek Chauvin with his knee on Floyd's neck during an arrest. Floyd said he could not breathe and pleaded for help, but later died.