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.
Al Roker: "Justice is done"
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."
Cardi B: "History"
Ciara: "Thank you Jesus! I'm in tears. May your legacy live on forever... Let's all remain encouraged as we go on this journey TOGETHER. Never Forgetting This Day."
Cher: "THANK GOD! OH HAPPY DAY!"
Chris Evans: "Justice... Sending love to George Floyd’s family and friends"
Katy Perry: "Rest in JUSTICE George Floyd."
Kirk Franklin: "God is Good."
Keke Palmer: Praise God!!! Guilty."
Earvin Magic Johnson: "Thank God...guitly.! Jusitice has been served."
George Takei: "Justice. The moral arc of the universe has finally bent toward it."
Ice-T: "Before we throw that Pool Party............... SENTENCING is still down the road. Just sayin."
Justin Timberlake: "This verdict is just the first step in a long line of injustice against the Black community, often with no consequences. 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."
Whoopi Goldberg: "Guilty, Guilty, Guilty...No one wins...George Floyd is still gone...and finally someone was responsible...Derek Chauvin."
Laura Dern: "May this accountability today mark a true step toward justice"
LL Cool J: "Guilty. Hell yeah."
Lupita Nyong'o: "Relief"
Mariah Carey: "Hallelujah!!! A beginning ... a small grain of hope for our future."
Malika Haqq: "Guilty Guilty Guilty"
Matt James: "Justice would be Mr. George Floyd alive — this is about accountability,... The Marathon Continues.
Renée Elise Goldsberry: "A guilty verdict does not bring back the slain, so this has to be a turning point."
Sophia Bush: "Accountability, finally. But justice will take far more work, and far greater change. Prayers up to the family. Gratitude to the activists on the ground who have put everything into moving the needle more and more toward progress."
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!"