Lovato's ex-boyfriend praised the singer at the march on Saturday, as well as shared his own personal connection to gun violence and why he's willing to speak out.
This is the way to be friendly exes.
Wilmer Valderrama was one of many stars who marched in protest of gun violence across the country on Saturday, standing with nearly a million people at the March For Our Lives in Washington, D.C. where his ex, Demi Lovato, performed an emotional rendition of her hit "Skyscraper" for the crowd.
Queer Eye's Karamo Brown spoke with the NCIS star for ET, where he gushed about Lovato's performance.
"She's a hero. She's a hero to young men and women out there," he said. "I think that she's literally the image of recovery and getting their life together, so I'm excited that she's there and for this historic moment for young people too."
Valderrama also noted that he's excited to see so many of his fellow Hollywood stars use their voices to speak out, even in the face of potential backlash.
"They used to tell us when we were young and entering the industry, 'Oh you're an actor, don't get involved in politics,'" Valderrama said.
"But then you realize that politics affect policy and policy affects humankind. It's really interesting as citizens, as people in general, that you actually get involved," he continued. "So I think that's why it's exciting to see that so many people are lending their voices, but most importantly, their platform for other people's voices, because we gotta just be amplifying the people's word and the people's spirit."
The Venezualan-born star is sadly no stranger to gun violence and the fear that comes with it.
"I grew up in Venezuela and you grow up with a reality -- [on] the six o'clock news, you're talking about machine guns and you're talking about hits. It's a rude awakening when you wake up to that reality, specifically, you're nine, 10, 11 years old in Venezuela knowing that this is normal to you," he explained.
"And coming to the United States, a land that has allowed us to have the freedom to become anything we can be...We shouldn't have to worry about that while we're dreaming out loud."
The That 70s Show alum has been active with the March For Our Lives campaign, and acknowledges that the generation of teens leading the way is more tuned into politics and the world than ever before.
"They have a tool that we never had growing up, which is the power of social media," he said. "They're able to communicate to not only their immediate network, but they can actually make something trend. And it's cool, it's trendy to be an activist today. If you're not aware of what's happening, not only in your community but on a national level, when it's affecting you directly, you're not keeping up with your own generation."
"We're waking up to a generation that understands what needs to get done and is about to get it done themselves," he added.
Valderrama used his own social media to share his involvement with March for Our Lives. He posted an Instagram from the gathering on Saturday with a group of fellow marchers, and a hopeful caption.
" I am filled with hope.. I know there is a path now. United, we’ll win. The passion and fire I felt today from our young generation.. it’s going to change EVERYTHING!"
He also shared images of himself speaking with a group of volunteers who trained to register new voters during the march.
Other stars also shared their work at the marches throughout the country, including Amy Schumer, Connie Britton, Olivia Wilde, and Skai Jackson in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, performers at the Washington D.C. march included Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Platt, Jennifer Hudson, Common, Vic Mensa, Andra Day, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, and Lovato.
Cyrus even shared a sweet reunion pic with Lovato on Twitter, saying, "Been friends forever & happy to stand with you on important days like this!"
For more on March For Our Lives, watch the video below.
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