Rihanna, who is a domestic abuse survivor herself, has donated $2.1m to support victims of domestic violence affected by the coronavirus lockdown.
The singer's Clara Lionel Foundation has given the money to the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles, matching Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s donation to the programme.
The money will go to supporting meals, shelter, and counselling for families experiencing domestic violence during the pandemic in greater LA.
The pandemic and resulting lockdown has been described as a "worst-case scenario" for anyone in an abusive relationship and earlier this month, UN secretary general António Guterres said: "Many women under lockdown for #COVID19 face violence where they should be safest: in their own homes. I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic."
A statement announcing the donations by Rihanna, who was subjected to domestic abuse by her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown. and Dorsey said: "Victims of domestic violence exist all over the world, so this is just the beginning."
Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, has been recovering from coronavirus in her homeland of Barbados. He told the Sun: "I thought I was going to die", adding that his daughter had sent a ventilator to his home, which fortunately he did not need.
The 32-year old singer is the latest musician to mobilise in the effort to assist healthcare providers and people affected by coronavirus.
Lady Gaga has organised the benefit concert One World: Together at Home, which will featureperformances from such artists as Gaga, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Paul McCartney and Coldplay’s Chris Martin and will be livestreamed globally and televised in the US on April 18.
U2 have also donated €10 million to help purchase PPE for health workers on the frontline in the fight against the virus.
