Celebrities have been using their star power to promote the Black Lives Matter cause
Amazon boss Jeff Bezos has responded to a customer’s email with a supportive message for the Black Lives Matter movement as stars continue to use their platforms to push the cause.
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Jeff Bezos has shared to social media an email exchange with a customer in which the Amazon boss came out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
In a post published ion his Instagram on Friday, Bezos shared an email from a customer who said she found it “quite disturbing” that Amazon had put up a “Black Lives Matter” banner on its website.
“ALL LIVES MATTER,” wrote the customer, Macy, “and if it weren’t for all these lives providing their service to you and your company, where would Amazon be today?”
Bezos responded, saying, “No, Macy, I have to disagree with you. “Black lives matter” doesn’t mean other lives don’t matter. Black lives matter speaks to racism and the disproportionate risk that Black people face in our legal and justice system.”
Two days ago, Amazon announced that it was donating $10 million to Black social justice efforts.
CELEBS RALLY FOR BREONNA TAYLOR’S BIRTHDAY
Breonna Taylor would have been 27 on Friday. Two months ago, she was shot eight times and killed when police entered her apartment without knocking, suspecting that a man involved in a drug ring was receiving packages of drugs at her home.
No officer has been charged for her murder.
Celebrities are honouring Breonna today on social media, calling for donations for her birthday fund and to help her family seek justice.
Selena Gomez posted a heartfelt tweet and asked people to sign a Change petition.
Breonna Taylor would’ve been 27 years old today. The same age I am. But she was shot 8 times. Please join me in signing this petition and let’s get #JusticeForBreonnaTaylorhttps://t.co/KHAMSRMHuw
— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) June 5, 2020
Ben Affleck also tweeted about ways to help her.
Today is Breonna Taylor’s birthday. Here are two actions you can take. See thread below. â¬‡ï¸ https://t.co/xqEHuTJe8F
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) June 5, 2020
“Today would have been Breonna Taylor’s 27th birthday,” tweeted Kim Kardashian. “She was shot and killed while sleeping in her bed.”
Today would have been Breonna Taylor's 27th birthday. She was shot and killed while sleeping in her bed. The officers have yet to be charged for her murder. Honor this #BirthdayForBreonna by visiting https://t.co/pmPGAF97yn on more ways to help her case #SayHerName pic.twitter.com/2bKm4892ZL
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) June 5, 2020
KANYE WEST FUNDS FLOYD’S DAUGHTER’S COLLEGE TUITION
Kanye West has launched a college fund for George Floyd’s six-year-old daughter as part of a $2 million donation to help African-American families whose loved ones were killed at the hands of police and white people.
The rapper set up a 529 college savings fund to cover tuition for Gianna Floyd, according to CNN.
West’s $2 million donation will also support the families and legal teams supporting Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.
Arbery, 25, was shot and killed while jogging in Georgia in February by three men who claimed they thought he was a burglary suspect. Taylor was shot and killed by Louisville police in her own home after cops allegedly broke in without warning to execute a “no-knock warrant,” the New York Post reports.
The rapper is also donating to multiple black-owned businesses in his Chicago hometown and His wife Kim Kardashian previously offered financial assistance to a young woman shot with a rubber bullet by police while protesting earlier this week.
MEGHAN MARKLE’S CONFRONTING RIOTS VIDEO
The Duchess of Sussex has shared her devastation at racial division and protests in the United States in a graduation talk to her old high school.
In a video address, Meghan told leavers at the Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles: “I realised the only wrong thing to say is to say nothing, because George Floyd’s life mattered.”
Floyd died after a white officer held him down by pressing a knee into his neck in Minneapolis on May 25, sparking days of protest in the US.
Meghan went on to share her memories of living in the city through race riots in 1992, after police officers were filmed violently beating Rodney King.
Meghan told the all-girls school on Wednesday: “What is happening in our country and in our state and in our hometown of LA, has been absolutely devastating.
“I wasn’t sure what I could say to you. I wanted to say the right thing and I was really nervous that I wouldn’t, or it would get picked apart.
“And I realised the only wrong thing to say is to say nothing, because George Floyd’s life mattered, and Breonna Taylor’s life mattered and Philando Castile’s life mattered and Tamir Rice’s life mattered, and so did so many other people whose names we know and whose names we do not know.”
The video was first reported by the African-American female US magazine Essence, which reported her saying: “I was 11 or 12 years old and it was the LA riots, which was also triggered by a senseless act of racism.
“I remember the curfew and I remember rushing back home, and on that drive home, seeing ash fall from the sky, and smelling the smoke and seeing the smoke billow out of buildings.
“I remember seeing men in the back of a van just holding guns and rifles.
“I remember pulling up the house and seeing the tree, that had always been there, completely charred. And those memories don’t go away.”
‘F**K THAT’: STAR WARS STAR’S SHOCK PROTEST SPEECH
Star Wars actor John Boyega has called for racial equality in a powerful speech given at protests in London over the death of George Floyd.
Boyega, who questioned whether he would have a career after addressing thousands of people who had piled in to Hyde Park, said black people were fighting for their “ability to live in freedom”
“Black lives have always mattered,” Boyega said at the rally. “We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have always succeeded regardless. And now is the time. I ain’t waiting. I ain’t waiting.”
“Every black person understands and realises the first time you are reminded that you are black,” Boyega added. “You remember. Every black person in here remembers when another person reminded you that you were black.”
The 28-year-old British-Nigerian actor said the protests were “vital”, and listed the names of several black men killed by US police.
“This is so vital,” he said. “I need you guys to understand how painful this s**t is.”
“It is very, very important that we keep control of this movement, and we make this as peaceful as possible,” he added. “They want us to mess up.”
Boyega also said: “I’m speaking to you from my heart. Look, I don’t know if I’m going to have a career after this, but f*** that,” according to Metro UK.
It came as protesters clashed with police as thousands flooded into central London to demonstrate in response to the death of George Floyd.
Activists chanted “Black Lives Matter” and “We will not be silent” in Hyde Park during a peaceful protest before tensions escalated near the prime minister’s Downing St office.
Chief constables from across the UK issued a joint statement saying they “stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified” that African-American man Floyd died at the hands of US police.
Floyd died after a white officer held him down by pressing a knee into his neck in Minneapolis on May 25, sparking days of protest in the US.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “appalled and sickened” by Floyd’s treatment.
“And my message to President Trump, to everybody in the United States, from the UK is that I don’t think ... racism, racist violence, has (a) place in our society,” Johnson told reporters.
He said people had the right to protest, but urged them to do so peacefully and in accordance with the rules on social distancing.
“Everybody’s lives matter, black lives matter, but we must fight this virus as well.”
Videos shared on social media showed protesters and police clashing outside Downing St as Johnson spoke to reporters.
Footage showed objects including signs and a traffic cone being thrown at police while one protester was wrestled to the ground and restrained by officers.
A spokesman for Keir Starmer said the Labour leader supported the “solidarity” being shown by UK demonstrators but urged them to uphold distancing rules by staying two metres apart.
KYLIE JOINS AUSSIE STARS SUPPORTING BLACK LIVES MATTER
Kylie Minogue is among the celebs to express solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement on social media, sharing a #blackouttuesday post with her 2 million followers.
“I’m listening, I’m learning,” posted Nadia Bartel, sharing a #blackouttuesday photo of her own.
Bachelorette Angie Kent also shared a #blackouttuesday post, as did Bec Judd, Aussie hip-hop band Hilltop Hoods, Snezana Wood and Lisa Wilkinson.
Actor Hugh Jackman also shared a heartfelt post paired with an image of a black hand holding a white hand.
“My heart goes out to George Floyd’s family. May his untimely death be a catalyst for change. I will use this moment to reflect, to refocus and to make sure I am part of change,” he wrote.
And Tommy Little had his own powerful message to share with his 253,000 followers alongside his blackout photo.
“Hopefully this leads to more discussions about the bullshit levels of racism that have existed here in Australia for lifetimes. About the stories we don’t get taught in schools and about the history of genocide that we continually hide away from. Hopefully. #indigenouslivesmatter”, he wrote.
Pop duo The Veronicas shared via their stories that their merchandise was half price and that all proceeds would go towards two organisations; the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Legal Services and The Action Pac anti-racism organisation in the US.
Pop superstar Pink has hit out at online trolls who have slammed her for sharing a screenshot from 18-year-old pop phenom Billie Eilish’s scathing post against the “All Lives Matter” movement on social media.
Pink has stood firm in her support of the Black Lives Matter movement as protests continue to rage across the US over the death in police custody of 46-year-old black man, George Floyd.
But the 40-year-old three-time Grammy winner wasn’t about to take any of the taunts and blatantly racist comments that questioned her support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
After one follower disagreed with the star, saying that she believed the circumstances of George Floyd’s death could happen to “any one of us”, the mother-of-two called the woman “the epitome of white privilege”.
“The saddest part is that you don’t even hear yourself and probably never will,” Pink wrote in response.
When another commentator called her “stupid”, Pink took the high road. “What an insightful and helpful comment,” she said.
Following the death last week of Floyd, Pink shared a post Eilish who wrote: “If I hear one more person say ‘all lives matter’ one more f**king time I’m gonna lose my f**king mind,” she wrote.
“Will you shut the f**k uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuup???? No one is saying your life doesn’t matter. No one is saying your life is not hard.
“You are privileged whether you like it or not. Society gives you privilege just for being white. You can be poor, you can be struggling.. and still your skin colour is giving you more privilege than you even realise.”
It comes as basketball great, Michael Jordan, who was notably silent on racial politics during his legendary basketball career, has joined a growing cast of sporting personalities calling for change after the death of Floyd.
Jordan released a statement over the weekend as often-violent protests spread in cities across the US after Floyd, a black man shown on video gasping for breath while handcuffed as a white policeman knelt on his neck in Minneapolis, died.
The incident has triggered demands for change and justice over police brutality and racism.
“I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,” wrote Jordan, as he called for continued peaceful protests.
“I see and feel everyone’s pain, outrage and frustration.
“I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of colour in our country.
“We have had enough.
“I don’t have the answers but our collective voices show strength and the inability to be divided by others.”
NBA stars Tobias Harris of Philadelphia 76ers, Malcolm Brogdon of Indiana Pacer and Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown took part in protests over the weekend.
LeBron James was among the NBA stars to speak out in recent days on social media while other American sports people, including former NRL quarterback Colin Kaepernick - who was dumped from the league in 2016 for protesting racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem before games - did likewise.
Tennis player Serena Williams tweeted Nike’s powerful ‘Don’t Do It’ video along with the message: “Don’t pretend there’s not a problem in America”.
Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton posted #BlackLivesMatter to his 5.7 million Twitter follows, which featured a video of a young black American girl in tears about inherent racism in society.
He also criticised the “white dominated sport” of motor racing for its silence on the issue.
In Germany, four young soccer Bundesliga players made their feelings known.
England’s 20-year-old winger Jadon Sancho, 21-year-old Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi and 22-year-old Marcus Thuram made statements on the field on Sunday, following the example set by Schalke’s American midfielder Weston McKennie, 21, a day earlier.
Borussia Dortmund’s Sancho removed his jersey after a goal to reveal a T-shirt with the handwritten message “Justice for George Floyd”.
His teammate Hakimi followed his example when he scored to reveal the same message.
“We shouldn’t fear speaking out for what’s right, we have to come together as one & fight for justice. We are stronger together! #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd,” Sancho posted on Instagram.
Thuram took a knee, evoking memories of Kaepernick’s protests, after scoring for Borussia Moenchengladbach.
“No explanation needed,” Gladbach said on Twitter with a picture of Thuram kneeling.
McKennie wore an armband with the handwritten message “Justice for George” around his left arm.
A number of NHL players voiced a call to stand together for change while New York Mets baseball star Pete Alonso spoke out against racial injustice.
“I will never know what it feels like to be discriminated against because the colour of my skin. To anyone who faces this type of discrimination, I will fight for you and be an ally,” he posted on Instagram.
KOBE’S WIFE JOINS AUSSIES FUMING OVER FLOYD’S DEATH
The widow of NBA legend Kobe Bryant has joined Australian celebrities in speaking out against the death of Floyd.
Vanessa Bryant took to social media and shared a photo of her late husband wearing a T-shirt that read “I can’t breathe”.
They were the same words spoken by Floyd before he died after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pinned his neck down with his knee for more than eight minutes.
“My husband wore this shirt years ago and yet here we are again,” she wrote in a caption accompanying the image.
“Life is so fragile. Life is so unpredictable. Life is too short. Let’s share and embrace the beautiful qualities and similarities we all share as people. Drive out hate. Teach respect and love for all at home and school.”
She continued: “Spread LOVE. Fight for change- register to VOTE. Do not use innocent lives lost as an excuse to loot. BE AN EXAMPLE OF THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE. #BLACKLIVESMATTER”
Kobe Bryant wore the T-shirt in 2014 ahead of a basketball game to protest the death of Eric Garner.
Garner, who was killed by New York police in 2014, said “I can’t breathe” 11 times while lying face down on a Staten Island footpath after an officer placed him in a chokehold.
Australian celebrities including Chris Hemsworth and Margot Robbie have also shown their support for Floyd.
Hemworth posted an image of the 46-year-old set behind text that read, “Please I can’t breathe. My stomach hurts. My neck hurts. Everything hurts. They’re going to kill me.
It concluded with: “George Floyd. Say my name. Rest in power”.
Hemsworth posted the picture with the caption #justiceforfloyd.
Oscar-nominated acrtress Margot Robbie was also not shy in voicing her views as she called for an end to racism while sharing a series of powerful images, including an illustration titled “Justice for George”.
She urged fans in her photo caption to sign a Change.org petition that calls on Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and District Attorney Mike Freeman to charge all the police officers involved.
Other high-profile figures have also joined the chorus of shock and anger.
Prominent figures and celebrities such as former US President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Kim Kardashian, as well as Australian basketball superstar Ben Simmons, have been among those calling for justice.
Kardashian tweeted on that she was “disgusted and infuriated” by the events surrounding Floyd’s death.
“I know I can use my own voice to help amplify those voices that have been muffled for too long,” she said.
Chauvin was arrested and charged with third degree murder and manslaughter on Friday afternoon US time.
Shocking video footage taken at the scene on Monday night showed Floyd, 46, in distress, telling Chauvin he couldn’t breathe as his neck was pinned to the ground.
Mr Obama shared a statement on Twitter, saying “this shouldn’t be ‘normal’ in 2020 America. It can’t be ‘normal’.”
My statement on the death of George Floyd: pic.twitter.com/Hg1k9JHT6R
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 29, 2020
His wife, Michelle Obama, said she was “pained” by the tragedy and called people of all colours to unite against racism.
Oprah Winfrey took to Instagram to express her sorrow over the tragedy.
“I’ve been trying to process what can be said or heard in this moment. I haven’t been able to get the image of the knee on his neck out of my head.
“It’s there every morning when I rise and when I go through the ordinary duties of the day.
“His family and friends say he was a gentle giant. His death has now shown us he had a giant soul. If the largeness of a soul is determined by its sphere of influence, George Floyd is a Mighty soul.”
Australian pro basketball player Ben Simmons also weighed in on the race debate on Instagram alongside a photo of himself in a T-shirt with the words “I can’t breathe”. That phrase is a reference to another killing of a black man in police custody — Eric Garner died on July 17, 2014, an unarmed black man on Staten Island, N.Y., after police officers threw him to the ground and put him in a choke hold.
His last words, as recorded on a cellphone video, were: “I can’t breathe.” He repeated the phrase 11 times before dying.
In a video message, Beyonce urged people to sign a petition seeking justice for Floyd.
Rihanna also expressed her “devastation” and “anger”.
Kim Kardashian West tweeted she is “disgusted” over George Floyd’s death and plans to “use her voice” to make a change.
For years, with every horrific murder of an innocent black man, woman, or child, I have always tried to find the right words to express my condolences and outrage
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) May 30, 2020
Nick Cannon posted a picture of himself among protesters carrying a banner with the words “Justice for Floyd”.
Actors Seth Rogen and Steve Carrell followed the footsteps of directing duo Josh and Benny Safdie, who retweeted a donation with the caption, “MATCHED,” indicating that they donated $A75 to the Minnesota Freedom Fund and encouraging others to retweet and do the same.
Matched https://t.co/bmeP30vGX4
— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) May 28, 2020
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden posted a video to social media saying he had spoken with Floyd’s family and that the man’s death was part of “the original sin of this country still stains our nation today”.
Tune in as I address the unfolding situation in Minnesota and the killing of George Floyd: https://t.co/AKk14gGif5
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 29, 2020
NBA star LeBron James shared to Instagram a composite photo of Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck next to an image of former NFL footballer Colin Kaepernick, who famously knelt during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice.
In Minneapolis, actor Jamie Foxx declared “we are not afraid of this moment” as he stood in solidarity with social justice advocates.
“When we see you guys out on the frontline, we want to let you know you got support,” he said. “To all of my friends who aren’t black, just try to put yourself in our position,” he added.
Jamie Foxx joins social justice advocates in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in solidarity over the death of George Floyd: "All I wanted to do is let you know that we're not afraid to stand...we're not afraid of the moment." https://t.co/elUVBZ8dWy pic.twitter.com/StA6R7mH2u
— ABC News (@ABC) May 29, 2020
Pose star Indya Moore expressed her solidarity with the rioters, posting a pic of a burnt-out police vehicle in Brooklyn.
But rapper and activist Killer Mike took a different point of view and urged protesters to stop violent protest that was destroying cities, and hold their elected officials accountable instead:
Rapper Killer Mike delivers an impassioned plea to protesters in Atlanta to strategise, organise, mobilise, and hold their politicians to account, after clashes with police over the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in Minneapolishttps://t.co/FsiLiw0F1a pic.twitter.com/VZ4oAEPhd5
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) May 30, 2020
Justin Bieber chose to express his feelings about America’s ongoing struggle with racial injustice by quoting the words of Martin Luther King Jr.:
And Madonna posted prophetic video of George Floyd to her Instagram page, along with the hashtags calling for gun control and justice for Floyd.
Normally a fun-loving prankster on Instagram, glamorous actress Kate Beckinsale turned sombre to pronounce the slaying of George Floyd “true horror” and urged her followers to demand the arrest of the officers involved in the killing.
Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo spoke out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, explaining why “all lives matter” is not a correct response.
Pharrell Williams posted the shocking image of Officer Chauvin with his knee on Floyd’s neck, accompanied by the chilling and prophetic words of Malcolm X: “That’s not a chip on my shoulder, that’s your foot (knee) on my neck.”
Oscar-winner Halle Berry’s Instagram post showing an image of two young African-American boys perhaps said it best:
Originally published as Celebrities have been using their star power to promote the Black Lives Matter cause
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