BLACK LIVES MATTER: CELEBRITIES DEMAND JUSTICE FOR GEORGE FLOYD
BREAKING SILENCE ON THE DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD
Several US cities are burning and in havoc, and the reason is the death of a black man George Floyd, who was murdered by a white Minneapolis Police Officer. The death has triggered violent responses from the members of the black communities, and now even celebrities have joined in the protests, via their social media accounts or via powerful speeches.
It all began when a video of George Floyd’s death went viral in which, a white Minneapolis Police Officer, Derek Chauvin can be seen kneeling on top of George Floyd who can be seen saying “I can’t breathe.” He fell unconscious in the video and was pronounced dead when taken to a hospital. The authorities have taken action against Chauvin by firing him and charging him with manslaughter and third-degree murder. But the death of George Floyd has angered people too much and hence, they can’t forget about it.
Many cities of the US had to deal with mass protests and violent outbreaks (that could be the result of some acts by anti-social people) last weekend.
The world of internet is also on fire as a petition on Change.org entitled as “Justice for George Floyd” has become the largest ever petition of the website with over 2 million signatures garnered in less than 48 hours.
One of the celebrities who expressed outrage over George Floyd’s death was Killer Mike (real name- Michael Render) who appeared to help calm people down. His 8-minute speech has gone viral because, in addition to fiery and sympathizing comments, it includes pleas to maintain peace and get rid of the wrongs during the polls. The Atlanta based Run the Jewels rapper has nailed it, and his speech is something we should all listen to as it teaches us how to stay calm during a crisis like George Floyd’s death.
Several other celebrities have also expressed concern while others anger regarding George Floyd’s death by using various social media platforms.
Crissy Teigen pledged to donate money to help bail out the protestors and later doubled the amount she was donating, from USD 100,000 to USD 200,000 when a Twitter user said that the protestors were criminals and rioters.
She targeted Trump via the first Tweet when she wrote: “In celebration of whatever the fuck maga night is, I am committed to donating $100,000 to the bail outs of protestors across the country.”
In celebration of whatever the fuck maga night is, I am committed to donating $100,000 to the bail outs of protestors across the country.
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) May 30, 2020
In the second Tweet, she wrote “Ooo they might need more money then. Make it $200,000 https://twitter.com/robsanders2000/status/1266847350129152008 …”
In celebration of whatever the fuck maga night is, I am committed to donating $100,000 to the bail outs of protestors across the country.
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) May 30, 2020
Seth Rogan supported the cause by matching a donation from Safdie Brothers, the Directors of Uncut Gems.
(And then much more)
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) May 30, 2020
Steve Carell from The Office joined the cause by matching Ben Schwartz from Parks & Rec.
Matched https://t.co/bmeP30vGX4
— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) May 28, 2020
Another important celebrity who joined forces with those who are protesting against George Floyd’s death was former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. He Tweeted “In fighting for liberation there’s always retaliation. We must protect our Freedom Fighters. We started a legal defence initiative to give legal representation to Freedom Fighters in Minneapolis paid for by @yourrightscamp. For representation or to donate http://KnowYourRightsCamp.com/legal.”
In fighting for liberation there‘s always retaliation. We must protect our Freedom Fighters. We started a legal defense initiative to give legal representation to Freedom Fighters in Minneapolis paid for by @yourrightscamp
For representation or to donate https://t.co/q0pzAObCiG
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) May 29, 2020
His voice on George Floyd’s death matters a lot as he became the beacon of the Black Lives Matter movement when he protested police violence by kneeling. The act cost him his career as he was blackballed by the league. He hasn’t been allowed to play in the NFL for more than three years now.
The hacker collective Anonymous also reacted on the topic of George Floyd’s death and knocked the website of Minneapolis Police Department offline soon after posting this on Saturday night.
Anonymous message for the American Spring.
#Anonymous #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #ICantBreathe #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/LY6XldgdNp
— Anonymous (@YourAnonCentral) May 31, 2020
Other celebrities on George Floyd’s death are:
Michael Jordan
Statement from Michael Jordan: pic.twitter.com/lWkZOf1Tmr
— Jordan (@Jumpman23) May 31, 2020
Beyoncé
Drake
Cardi B
Travis Scott
LeBron James
Snoop Dogg
Meek Mill
Naomi Campbell
I don’t have the words. I’m sick and tired of this, tired of being sad about our people dying needlessly. Harassed and humiliated in these challenging times, I thought we could come to together, but it seems like this Coronavirus has bought out more racism in a major way. pic.twitter.com/vZpNHm9Zco
— Naomi Campbell (@NaomiCampbell) May 27, 2020
Diddy
Kim Kardashian West
💔 #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/cFazgClwNe
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) May 27, 2020
Justin Bieber
ICE T
They Killed another Brother.. On Video. https://t.co/RnuUqfU5o8
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) May 26, 2020
COMMON
They Killed another Brother.. On Video. https://t.co/RnuUqfU5o8
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) May 26, 2020
Madonna
Missy Elliott
#GeorgeFloyd No family should have to go through this pain of seeing their loved one beg for their life😔It not right no matter how you look at it😢 pic.twitter.com/cjmaOUxFQN
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) May 27, 2020
John Boyega
#GeorgeFloyd No family should have to go through this pain of seeing their loved one beg for their life😔It not right no matter how you look at it😢 pic.twitter.com/cjmaOUxFQN
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) May 27, 2020
Tinashe
The celebrity reactions on George Floyd’s death have garnered different reactions from the fans. Some fans are glad their favourite celebrity is speaking up for a common man, and some are angry that even celebrities are encouraging protests. Thus, all the celebrities who are posting regarding George Floyd’s tragic death are not only risking their reputation but are also risking the love of their fans.
