Writing "#TheXFiles #TakeAKnee", the picture was taken while filming for the new season of The X-Files and was also intended as a show of solidarity with those in the American NFL who Donald Trump suggested be "fired" for exercising their right to protest.

#TheXFiles #TakeAKnee pic.twitter.com/65GJiBAOsl

— Gillian Anderson (@GillianA) September 26, 2017

This follows iconic singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder's decision to kneel ahead of his performance at the Global Citizens Festival, during which he said, "I didn't come here to preach, but I'm telling you, our spirits must be in the right place all the time."

Inspired by Wonder, producer Pharrell Williams did the same at the Concert for Charlottesville benefit. "If I want to get on my knees right now for the people in my city", Williams said, "that's what that flag is for."

Addressing the initial intentions of the protest, amidst the latter confusion wherein Trump impied Reid and Kapernick were disrespecting the US military, Reid wrote about his act in The New York Times yesterday.

"We chose to kneel because it’s a respectful gesture", Reid said. "I remember thinking our posture was like a flag flown at half-mast to mark a tragedy.

"It should go without saying that I love my country and I’m proud to be an American. But, to quote James Baldwin, 'exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.'"