The Weeknd makes big donation to Black Lives Matter movement

Canadian R&B star The Weeknd has reportedly donated $250,000 (£192,160) to the Black Lives Matter movement.

The Can't Feel My Face hitmaker appears to be in a giving mood as he also recently handed over $50,000 (£38,420) to bosses at the Bikila Award organisation, who are launching a new Ethiopic Studies program at the University of Toronto in the singer's hometown.

The Weeknd, whose parents are Ethiopian, has yet to comment on his generous gift to the Black Lives Matter group, which advocates for racial justice, particularly in light of a spate of African-American deaths at the hands of police in controversial encounters across the U.S.

However, he has previously made his feelings clear following the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, who were fatally shot by cops in separate incidents last month (Jul16).

"Enough is enough," he tweeted at the time. "it's time to stand up for this. we can either sit and watch, or do something about it. the time is now. #blacklivesmatter."

The Weeknd also reposted messages from fellow activists John Legend and filmmaker Michael Moore, who heaped praise on the Black Lives Matter protesters who had staged demonstrations in various U.S. cities, demanding justice for Sterling and Castile.

The singer isn't the only star to donate to the Black Lives Matter organisation - Jay Z cut a $1.5 million (£1.15 million) cheque earlier this year (16), after raising the funds through his Tidal streaming service, which is co-owned by his wife Beyonce, Usher, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, and Madonna, among others.

Jay Z and Beyonce also reportedly put up bail money for numerous protesters in Baltimore, Maryland last year (15) after they clashed with cops in demonstrations following the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray, who died while in police custody.