Stars are speaking out about the tragic death of George Floyd, an unarmed African-American man who died after a police officer kept his knee pressed on his neck for extended period.
George was arrested on suspicion of forgery outside a deli in Minneapolis. A video of his arrest showed four police officers taking him into custody – one of the officers pinned him down to the ground by placing his knee on his neck. George could be heard telling them he couldn’t breathe. Per CBS Minnesota, the police officer didn’t let up his hold for seven minutes. Medics took him to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
CBS News reports that four officers have since been fired for their roles in the incident. The FBI is also taking part in the investigation.
George’s death has sparked outrage and calls for justice among many – including celebrities.
Beyonce shared a black-and-white photo of George on her website, with the words “Rest in power George Floyd.”
Kim Kardashian posted a drawing of George’s face on her Instagram Story with the hashtag #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd. It was followed by a quote of George’s plea to the police officers before his death: “Please, I can’t breathe.”
“Enough is enough! What will it take ? A civil war ? A new president? Violent riots ? It’s tired ! I’m tired ! The country is tired !” Cardi B wrote on Instagram. “You don’t put fear in people when you do this you just show how coward YOU ARE ! And how America is really not the land of the free !”
Katie Holmes shared a quote from James Baldwin that reads, “It is certain, in any case, that ignorance allied with power is the most ferocious enemy justice can have,“ and added her sentiments, “I send love to his family and friends. This is heartbreaking.”
“You deserved your breath, your dignity, your life. Not to die in the street, murdered by a white cop’s knee on your neck. You deserve our tears, our prayers, our rage, our action. We must act – for you – and for all of those were no cameras are present. We must. #GeorgeFloyd,” Ava DuVernay tweeted.
“How is this possible again??” Rita Wilson asked on her Instagram post. “George Floyd said he couldn’t breathe. Said his neck hurt. Said everything hurts. He wasn’t armed. How does this happen???? Again???”
Penelope Cruz shared her thoughts on the matter with the hashtags “#enough #georgefloyd #justice.”
“GEORGE FLOYD my heart breaks for you and your family. #policebrutality needs to stop. #sayhisname,” Zoe Kravitz wrote.
