How 15 Brands and Celebrities Have Responded to The Death of George Floyd
The events of the past weekend’s protests in the United States have ignited a global conversation about race and oppression.
On Monday 25 May, a 46-year-old African-American George Floyd died in custody under the hands of a police officer from the Minneapolis Police Department. The officer, named Derek Chauvin, had restrained Floyd for more than eight minutes, whose graphic footage of the incident was spread across social media, sparking a wave of protest across the entire United States.
Currently, the state has charged Chauvin with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, though the other three police officers at the scene have yet to be charged.
In the wake of the crisis, many brands and celebrities have stepped up on social media to demand justice for George Floyd and to end systemic racism in the United States.
Nicola Formichetti
The creative director and fashion director of Lady Gaga celebrated his birthday over the weekend, and called for the public to support LGBTQ and civil rights organisations that condemn racism, racial violence, and police brutality.
Marc Jacobs
Protestors have taken to the streets with some vandalising property. Marc Jacobs posted a photo that depicted his storefront with the names of the deceased parties and a caption, “A life cannot be replaced. Black Lives Matter.”
Jacquemus
The fashion house shared a touching video of Keedron Bryant, a 12 year old African American Gospel Singer on the plight of being a young black man in the United States, which has since gone viral. He also looked to several resources on his instagram story, urging people to help for the cause.
Nike
In a powerful brand statement, Nike states, “For Once, Don’t Do It” and to urge people not to turn their back on racism in America
Adidas
Typically at loggerheads with Nike, Adidas has stood together with Nike on the cause, resharing their initial post on Twitter.
Beyoncé
The Grammy-winning singer took to instagram to speak up about the cause. “We need justice for George Floyd. We're broken and we're disgusted," she says, "We cannot normalize this pain. I'm not only speaking to people of color. If you're white, black, brown and anything in between, I'm sure you feel hopeless by the racism going on in America right now." She also directs her followers to sign a petition to demand for more charges for those involved in the death of George Floyd.
Trevor Noah
In this highly informative and insightful video, Trevor took his time to elaborate on the events that led up to the protests, from the events leading up from Ahmaud Abery to George Floyd and social contract theory. “Try to imagine how it must feel for black Americans why they watch themselves being looted every single day. Police in America are looting black bodies,” he says in his caption to the video.
Bella Hadid
The supermodel took to her platform to shed light on the cause, urging her followers to donate to help the family of George Floyd with The Official George Floyd Memorial Fund. “I’ve been sitting here listening. Understanding. Educating myself . Making calls to demand justice. Donating. And reaching out to friends just in case they feel hurt or lost this week.If you are not standing in solidarity with the black community TODAY and EVERYDAY. Please unfollow me. Black lives matter...Black voices matter and the black community matters ,” she says in her latest instagram caption.
Micheal Jordan
Basketball legend Micheal Jordan sent his condolences to the family of George Floyd, and shared his support for protesters fighting for justice. “I am deeply saddened, truly pained, and plain angry,” he says in a statement.
Kaia Gerber
Gerber shared a series of anti-racist books on her instagram, sharing in her instagram story, “ it is our responsiblity to educate ourselves on white privilege, black history, and the experiences we will never understand but can stand in solidarity in.”
Emily Ratajkowski
Emily Ratajkowski has been vocal about the cause, and took to the streets of Santa Monica to engage in a peaceful protest.
Chrissy Teigen
Rihanna
Kim Kardashian West
Cardi B
