Wiz Khalifa wears suicide prevention shirt to VMAs

His shirt calls attention to the issue and features the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Published August 25, 2014 1:02AM (EDT)

  (Matt Sayles/invision/ap)
(Matt Sayles/invision/ap)

While celebrity outfits at red carpet ceremonies generally generate buzz, perhaps none at this year's VMA's are as newsworthy as Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa's shirt, which functions as a public service announcement for suicide prevention:

[embedtweet id="503701361641279489"]

His shirt advertises the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255. Below, headlines call attention to people who have attempted suicide, including iconic Motown singer Marvin Gaye. Gaye reportedly attempted suicide multiple times in his life.

While sufferers of mental illness still face a lot of social stigmas, the death of beloved actor Robin Williams, who committed suicide in his home on Monday, Aug. 11, has brought the issue to the forefront of America's consciousness and opened up a much-needed dialogue about the issue.


By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

MORE FROM Prachi Gupta


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Marvin Gaye Robin Williams Suicide Suicide Prevention Vmas Wiz Khalifa