Celebrities like Justin Bieber are “paying attention” to their “non-black friends” who are staying silent amid the ongoing protests throughout the country, following George Floyd‘s tragic death on May 25. Justin, like many other stars, are begging their social media followers to stop ignoring racism and start helping to make a change in the world.
Just one week ago, George Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed black man, was murdered in Minneapolis after a white police officer placed his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes. Four days later, that police officer, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter, but the other three other police officers who were present and did nothing to prevent Floyd’s death, are still only under investigation, according to Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman.
Floyd’s murder — as well as the lack of appropriate punishment against the four officers involved — has led to protests across the world. Not only are stars like Halsey, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes and more marching in protests across the country, but celebrities are also taking to social media to demand justice and urge everyone to stop ignoring racism.
Millie Bobby Brown
In a video posted on Millie Bobby Brown’s Instagram page on June 1, the Stranger Things star said, “I hear you,” while calling for justice for George Floyd. The video said, “Black Lives Matter,” but as it played, the word “Lives” changed to different words like “Hopes”, “Dreams”, and “Opportunities”.
Nicki Minaj
On June 1, Nicki Minaj also took to Instagram and begged her followers to stay “angry” over George Floyd’s death, as well as other deaths of innocent black people over the last several years. She wrote, “When 4 black THUGS commit a crime, if 1 person commits murder, they ALL get charged & CONVICTED. When white THUGS/COPS KILL innocent black people, ALL 4 of them are responsible‼️‼️‼️”
Russell Wilson
Meanwhile, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson took to both Instagram and Twitter to say that “we cannot continue to ignore racism.” He also said “we must make a change” because “black lives matter”.
Justin Bieber
And Justin Bieber called out his “non black friends” who have been staying “silent” during the protests. The singer said he’s “paying attention” to those famous people, as they should be using their platform to help make a change.
Colton Haynes
Meanwhile, Teen Wolf star Colton Haynes pushed to “end white silence”. On his social media accounts, he posted a lengthy message that said, “Our privilege is the problem. White privilege is not just the ability to move through the world without your race defining your interactions. It’s not just the subconscious comfort of seeing a world that serves you as normal. It’s also the power to remain silent in the face of racial inequity…”
Tyler Perry
And mega-producer Tyler Perry posted his own message after having “an extremely heavy heart” over “the past few days”. He said, “I want you to know that while some of us are protesting out there, others of us have the gift of being able to pick up the phone and go straight to the people who have the power with the stroke of a pen to effect change. AND IT TAKES ALL OF US AS BLACK PEOPLE TO DO OUR PART!!”