Communities all over the world are overwhelmed with emotion over the guilty verdict of former police officer Derek Chauvin in the 2020 death of George Floyd. Facing up to 40 years in prison, Chauvin was found guilty Tuesday of all three charges including second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Following the news, celebrities in music and entertainment as well as public figures took to social media to share their reaction to the guilty verdict, including Ben Crump, the national civil rights attorney who represented the family of George Floyd.
“Guilty! Painfully earned justice has finally arrived for George Floyd’s family,” Crump tweeted. “This verdict is a turning point in history and sends a clear message on the need for accountability of law enforcement. Jusitice for Black America is justice for all of America!”
“We thank [Attorney General] @KeithEllison and his team, along with our legal team, for fierce dedication to justice,” he continued in another tweet. “But it does not end here. We still have work to do! We must pass George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to hold police accountable and prevent unjustified killing of marginalized POC [people of color.]”
Former President Barack Obama also released a statement, saying in part, “Today, a jury in Minneapolis did the right thing…Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, in the hopes that they may find peace. And we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice that George and so many others have been denied.”
Here’s what other celebs have to say about the guilty verdict:
Kerry Washington: A guilty #verdict. But this fight for justice is not over. We have a lot of work to do. There is more fight ahead of us. But RIGHT NOW please take CARE of yourself. And let’s take care of each other. Prayers and love to the family of #GeorgeFloyd.
Bernice A. King: God knew just how much we could bear. This is a turning point. Let’s continue to correct everything that stands against love. That is true #justice. #BeLove #GeorgeFloyd.”
Kirk Franklin: “God is Good.”
Keke Palmer: Praise God!!! Guilty.”
Earvin Magic Johnson: “Thank God…guitly.! Jusitice has been served.”
Whoopi Goldberg: “Guilty, Guilty, Guilty…No one wins…George Floyd is still gone…and finally someone was responsible…Derek Chauvin.”
LL Cool J: “Guilty. Hell yeah.”
Mariah Carey: “Hallelujah!!!”
Questlove: “Guilty. This doesn’t even feel real. This has never happened in my lifetime. I dare him to cry too…We still have to fight for justice yall. Remember that ‘we voted Obama in yay racism is gone!’ feeling? Yeah…let’s learn from that. I’m happy for the Floyd family though. Especially his daughter. But there is still a slew of mountain to climb.”
Viola Davis: “Gulty!! AS it should be! Now Rest In Peace George Floyd. Rest. You and your family have been vindicated. #Sayhisname.”
Wanda Sykes: “#JusiticeforGeorgeFloyd. Guilty on all charges!”
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