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Celebrity responses to the George Floyd killing and protests
Protests have broken out all over the US after the unnecessary death of another African-American man at the hands of the police. George Floyd, 46, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota shortly after he was arrested under suspicion of using a counterfeit $20 bill on May 25. Footage of a police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck while he begged for his life has gone viral, inciting outrage and horror. The officer involved has since been charged with murder, but protests and riots have spread like wildfire in major cities across the United States and the world. As a result, many celebrities are using their platforms to speak out about the killing and the ensuing protests. Here's how celebrities have reacted about the incident.
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Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx joined social justice advocates in Minneapolis, where the killing took place. He made a statement to journalists and warned that they were not afraid to stand.
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Nick Cannon
TV host and rapper Nick Cannon has attended protests in Minneapolis for several days, wearing a hoodie that says 'Please I can't breathe,' echoing some of the final words of George Floyd.
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Michael Jordan
Basketball legend Michael Jordan, who famously remained apolitical throughout his career, urged his followers not to turn their backs on senseless brutality.
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Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey wrote a heartfelt post on Instagram. She said that she couldn't get the image of that knee on his neck out of her head and that this time he will be more than a hashtag.
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Madison Beer
American singer Madison Beer warned protesters to leave the Santa Monica area after she was tear-gassed by police along with many others.
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Lady Gaga
On Instagram, Lady Gaga said that she was afraid to make any comments that would incite further violence, even though the anger of protesters was justified. She urged everyone to contribute to solving the systemic racism and corruption in the US instead of perpetuating the violence.
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Emily Ratajkowski
American supermodel Emily Ratajkowski was spotted among protesters in Los Angeles. She was holding up a sign that read: 'Dismantle power structures of oppression.'
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Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande took to the streets and shared videos and pictures of peaceful protests. She urged followers not to be taken in by news channels showing violent protesters everywhere.
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Beyonce
Beyonce is one of many A-list celebs speaking up. She posted a video to her Instagram demanding justice for George Floyd and an end to people of color being seen as less than human. She also shared a link to a number of petitions related to this cause, urging her followers to show support.
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Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez shared Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech on her Instagram, along with a post asking people to make bridges instead of burning them.
