Celebrities continued to flood social media with reaction to the news of Derek Chauvin being found guilty on all three charges of murder and manslaughter in death of George Floyd on Tuesday.
After initial reactions from Whoopi Goldberg, Kerry Washington, Mariah Carey and many more just seconds after the jury in Minneapolis returned its verdict after 10 and a half hours of deliberation, support continued to flood in hours later from stars including Kelly Rowland, 40, Thandiwe Newton, 48, and Jessica Alba, 39.
Kelly shared a duo of images of George - one showing him much younger and carrying his daughter and another of a widely shared painting - alongside a caption about the importance of the victory.
Thandiwe then took to Twitter to pen: 'Rest in Peace #GeorgeFloyd Your murderer is going down, and Racism is being crushed. This isn’t the end, or the beginning, but the NOW is changing - people are waking up - and your name marks the moment. No going back Folded hands'.
Continued support: Kelly Rowland, Thandiwe Newton and Jessica Alba (L-R) led the stars continuing to support the news of Derek Chauvin being found guilty on all three charges of murder and manslaughter in death of George Floyd
Reaching out: Kelly continued to flood social media with reaction as she shared a duo of images of George - one showing him much younger and carrying his daughter and another of a widely shared painting - alongside a caption about the importance of the victory.
Chauvin, 45, was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, and now faces 75 years in prison.
As the verdict was read out Chauvin looked on silently in the Hennepin County courtroom where jurors spent three weeks listening to testimony about the day Floyd died under the weight of the 45-year-old cop's knee during an arrest on May 25, 2020.
Cheers rose from the crowds that had gathered outside the courthouse and down at the intersection of 38th and Chicago now known as George Floyd Square.
When news first arose, Kelly shared a shot of her TV screen as she watched CNN coverage of the trial, writing, 'And justice is served!' while she later posted another duo of images with an accompanying caption reading: 'GEORGE FLOYD we love you! I, like so many of you, have so many emotions since the verdict(that didn’t need to take for F**KING ever!!!!!!!!!)
'But, it makes it a bit hard to completely celebrate, because just today, after that murderer was found guilty, another Black Life was taken. It’s been so many(lives) taken )it seems), since the trial began!
'The way we came out to vote, is the way we have to move pressing forward! The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act should be passed in EVERY STATE, in every city, in every town, in this country!..
Response: Thandiwe then took to Twitter to pen: 'Rest in Peace #GeorgeFloyd Your murderer is going down, and Racism is being crushed. This isn’t the end, or the beginning, but the NOW is changing - people are waking up - and your name marks the moment. No going back Folded hands'
Big moment: When news first arose, Kelly shared a shot of her TV screen as she watched CNN coverage of the trial, writing, 'And justice is served!'
Stars react: The likes of Lizzo, Whoopi Goldberg and Kerry Washington were some of the first stars to react
Reaction: Actors Zendaya (left) and Viola Davis (right) took to Instagram to share images of the late George Floyd
'Let’s be just as focused on this Act, as we were with our New Administration! And hold this Administration accountable of all they said they wanted to change in this country. “We The People”, need to stay the course, the course of REAL change in this Country'.
Thandiwe Newton, who until recently used the moniker Thandie Newton, shared her impassioned message while Jessica shared the painted image of George and simply penned: 'Rest In Peace'.
Jessica then shared the poignant image of George.
When news first erupted, Scandal actress Washington, 44, tweeted: '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.'
Stars react: Whoopi said that 'no one wins' after the verdict but 'finally someone was responsible'
Thankful: Oprah Winfrey took to Instagram with an older picture of Floyd donning a tuxedo, expressing her relief after the verdict was read
The View host Goldberg, 65, told her followers: 'Guilty Guilty Guilty... No one wins.. George Floyd is still gone.. and finally someone was responsible... Derek Chauvin.' Goldberg's Republican co-host Meghan McCain simply tweeted: 'May justice heal our nation.'
Barack Obama tweeted: 'Today, a jury did the right thing. But true justice requires much more. Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, and we stand with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice that George and so many others have been denied.'
Oprah Winfrey took to Instagram with an older picture of Floyd donning a tuxedo, expressing her relief after the verdict was read.
Emotional: Grammy winner Lizzo took to her Instagram account as she held back tears saying she had 'nothing to say but everything to feel'
'Relieved - and emotional in ways I didn't expect,' she said. 'I cried tears of joy as each verdict was read. I'm grateful to the witnesses and their testimonies. Grateful to every Juror for seeing and acknowledging what the world saw on that tape. Thank you God for real!'
Meanwhile, Oscar-winner Viola Davis lead reactions on Instagram who posted a painting of Floyd with the caption: 'GUILTY!!!! As it should!! Now....rest in peace George Floyd. Rest. You and your family have been vindicated.'
In an emotional video posted to Instagram, Grammy winner Lizzo spoke directly to her 10.2million followers, while holding back her tears.
Response: Stars including Ellen DeGeneres, Mariah Carey and Ciara tweeted just seconds after the verdict was read out
Activism: Scandal star Kerry Washington also shared this call to action on her Instagram page as well as reacting on Twitter. Amy Schumer posted the same infographic
She captioned the post: 'Thank you to all the organizations dedicated to the protest and protection of black people. Twin cities you have been through so much. Nothing to say here but I love you. Rest in power George Floyd.'
Kerry Washington also took to her Instagram page to share a graphic that read 'We have a verdict. Now what?' which contained a call to action for her followers, urging them to help pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
Mariah Carey also shared the same graphic, adding to her Instagram Stories: 'Thank you because we need this. Sending love and prayers to the Floyd family. This is a day that will never be forgotten.. Believing something good will come out of this tragedy.. it's a start. Praise the Lord!'
Speaking out: Sharon Stone (left) and Megan Thee Stallion (right) shared their reactions to the verdict on Instagram
Reaction: Model Gigi Hadid posted a pair of exclamation points in reaction to news of the verdict
Not mincing words: Bethenny Frankel posted a shot of the word 'Guilty'
Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx posted his reaction to the verdict, which he called a 'bittersweet moment' in a response on Instagram.
'I am happy and relieved that the person that did this horrendous thing to you and your family was found guilty,' Foxx began his post. 'The bitter is that we cannot bring you back… The bitter is all of the lives that were affected by what happened to you… all the tears that have been shed... and hearts broken...'
He continued: 'But through prayer and faithful people… Today with the announcement of this Verdict gives us some type of hope... hope that we can start righting the wrongs that have been in place for years in this country... rest in power George… And know that your words resonated around the whole world…'
Justice: Zoe Kravitz joined celebrities flooding social media on Tuesday as they reacted to the news of Derek Chauvin being found guilty in the death of George Floyd
Satisfied: Director Ava DuVernay posted a fist emoji with the number three, representing each count Chauvin was found guilty on
Beloved: Actress Olivia Munn shared a shot of the late Floyd with his child, writing, 'Rest in love'
Simple: Zendaya reposted a tweet assessing the final verdict from writer George M. Johnson
Awareness: Zendaya also brought to attention Tuesday's fatal officer-involved shooting of Ohio teen Makiyah Bryant
A transcript last year revealed Floyd's last moments, whereby he was said to have called out: 'Momma, I love you. Tell my kids I love them. I'm dead'
Foxx finished his response by referencing Floyd's heartbreaking words, concluding: 'You asking for your mother… You asking for just a bit of air… You asked for dignity…. Today we took a small step towards honoring you and the thousands like u who had Their lives taken senselessly... god bless u and ur family. And god bless us all.'
Captain America actor Chris Evans also tweeted: 'Justice. Sending love to George Floyd's family and friends.'
Optimistic: Singer Ciara said that the day marked a new hope for society
Short and sweet: NBA icon LeBron James posted the phrase accountability in all caps
In his opening monologue on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, just after the verdict was announced, Stephen admitted that while 'it's hard to celebrate' because a man lost his life, 'accountability today is a deterrent for tomorrow' in regards to holding police accountable for their actions.
He said: 'Just before the taping of our show today, the verdict was announced in the trial of Derek Chauvin. He was found guilty on all three counts in the death of George Floyd. After 10 hours of deliberation, a jury in Minneapolis decided that it's illegal for the police to murder people. That Black lives matter.
'It's hard to celebrate, because a man is still dead, but there is a sense of relief that at least this one injustice was not compounded with indifference.
'At least in this case, this man faces accountability. But justice is a far more difficult goal. America still has a problem of over-policing and systemic racism. But hopefully, this is a step towards a future where police being held accountable for their actions isn't headline material. And a hope that accountability today is a deterrent for tomorrow.'
James Corden, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon (L-R) paid tribute during their opening monologues on their respective shows after the verdict was announced
James Corden meanwhile echoed the sentiment on The Late Late Show with James Corden as he insisted the 'real justice' would be for Floyd to still be alive. He said: 'While we are relieved that some justice has been served, the truth is the real justice will be George Floyd being alive today.
'Real justice would be black Americans not having to live in fear of being stopped by police and killed, and surely that is a verdict that we need to work towards, and that can be the verdict that one day we can celebrate. Tonight, everyone here at the show, we are thinking of George Floyd's family, his friends and his loved ones.'
Jimmy Fallon through his support behind his peers on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, as he said: 'Too often, justice isn't served and the need for police reform remains. We all must continue to call out injustice until things change for the better.'
Jimmy Kimmel also addressed the landmark court case and verdict and directly told Chauvin that he hopes he remains in prison 'for a very long time'.
He said at the start of Jimmy Kimmel Live: 'I think we're all grateful it went the way it did. In this case, the jury made the correct decision, a unanimous decision, which is a step in the right direction. I hope the verdict itself brings comfort to the family of George Floyd and all those who mourn his death.
'I'd also like to say, Good luck in prison, Derek. You'll need it. That's right. I hope you're there for a very long time.'
Statement: Singers such as Michelle Williams, Leanne Rimes and Katy Perry posted messages in support of the verdict
Caring: A-list actor Chris Evans sent his regard to the late Floyd's loved ones
Calling for change: Justin Timberlake said his heart was with George Floyd's family amid the news
The View's Sunny Hostin, who was appearing on ABC news, opened up about her legal background and how it tempered her expectations heading into Tuesday.
'I've been a lawyer for 27 years and I remember when I was in law school during my first year, the Rodney King verdict came out and it was an acquittal for four officers who, on video, beat and stomped and Tased a man, beat a man 56 times with a baton and I believed my eyes then,' Hostin said in the segment.
Hostin continued: 'So I believed my eyes this time with George Floyd, and even though I knew that fast verdicts always hint at an agreement, even though all of my training told me they likely convicted on at least the highest count or at least the lowest count.'
Her take: Former Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said she felt justice was served on the day
Emotional: Khloe Kardashian posted a shot of George Floyd's daughter Gianna, while her sister Kim shared a simple post with the word Gulity
Moving forward: Hailey Bieber shared a statement about another step for social change
Moment to remember: Halsey shared a shot of her TV screen as news of the verdict came down
Details: Madonna shared a screengrab of the New York Times as the decision came down and a quote reflecting her take on the case
She noted that police convictions are rare 'because Black men and Black boys are killed by police with impunity in this country,' adding, 'I am so relieved that this is what justice finally looks like for my community.'
Demi Lovato said, 'Rest in power, George Floyd. We must keep fighting to end qualified immunity.'
Justin Timberlake said his heart was with George Floyd's family on the emotional day.
'This verdict is just the first step in a long line of injustice against the Black community, often with no consequences,' he said. 'The work is not nearly done. While there are many more families waiting for justice, my heart is with George Floyd's family right now.'
Spiritual: Jennifer Hudson praised God in her post following the verdict
Keep pushing: Singer Demi Lovato called for further reforms for law enforcement
Key moment: Model Sofia Richie shared a shot of Chauvin during his Minneapolis trial
Legacy: Model Lori Harvey shared a text post stating 'Rest in power' to the late Floyd
Focused: Actress Sophia Bush said she was relieved that there was 'accountability, finally' in the case
Reality: TV mogul Shonda Rhimes said that the court system came through amid the tragedy of Floyd's death
RIP: Reese Witherspoon shared a shot of Floyd tending to his daughter in a vehicle
Back to work: Jennifer Garner shared a repost from researcher Brene Brown about the case
Khloe Kardashian posted a shot of George Floyd's daughter Gianna, while her sister Kim shared a simple post with the word Gulity, while Kendall Jenner reposted a shot from the NAACP about the case.
Other notable names who chimed in following the verdict included Shonda Rhimes, LeBron James, Zendaya, Madonna, Michelle Williams, Sofia Richie, Lori Harvey, Leanne Rimes, Reese Witherspoon, Orlando Bloom, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jennifer Garner, Katy Perry, Gigi Hadid, Olivia Munn, Bethenny Frankel, Hailey Bieber and Chris Evans and former Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
Eye ahead: Actor Orlando Bloom said 'the work is not nearly done' amid the social sea change
Boosting the message: Kendall Jenner and Jake Gyllenhaal reposted shots from the NAACP about the case's result
Encouraging: Beyonce's mom Tina Lawson shared a shot of his daughter with encouraging words amid the social change
Satisfied: Lawson expressed her satisfaction with trial process
Actress Milla Jovovich reposted a clip from activist Shaun King, expressing a bit of skepticism about the social sea change amid the fatal shooting of Ohio teen Makiyah Bryant
Strong words: Singer Kehlani also posted about the historic day, stating her opinion that police should be abolished
'One big step toward TRUTH': Christina Milian posted a shot of Floyd's daughter Gianna
Pink shared a graphic from the NAACP's page that read, 'Guilty'
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