Celebrities are often encouraged by their representatives to refrain from saying anything during moments of national crisis out of a fear that they their statements will spurn criticism. Wednesday night, though, when the announcement came that the NYPD officer who was filmed strangling Eric Garner to death in a chokehold had not been indicted, many celebrities broke their silence to speak out against injustice.
What Chris Rock, Cher, and other celebrities said about the Eric Garner decision
Here is what they had to say:
Chris Rock
This one was on film. http://t.co/Zm7DKL09ok
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) December 3, 2014 Kerry Washington
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) December 4, 2014
Yes it is. "@dsc250: .@kerrywashington Powerful image: pic.twitter.com/JbgFpy3ENe" #ICantBreathe
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) December 4, 2014
Iggy Azalea
Make sure you do something to let YOUR government know how you feel when something is unjust., not JUST your followers on twitter...
— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 4, 2014
Aaron Paul
How do "crazy" cops keep getting away with this?!? He murdered that man. Stop the madness. #EricGarner #ICantBreathe
— Aaron Paul (@aaronpaul_8) December 4, 2014
MC Hammer
Deep Hurt. We're Men. Human. We feel pain. There will be one collective cry added to these tears.Then the birth of a New Anger. #EricGarner
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) December 3, 2014
We watched him Die. Choked to Death. The world is watching we seek JUSTICE. He couldn't breathe.Were breathing Fire. pic.twitter.com/DolTpkYAtM
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) December 4, 2014
It's going to be a long winter. A lot of hearts have just gone cold. The "symbolic death" of hope, trust & justice transpired 12/3. We mourn
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) December 4, 2014
Cher
4 haters….say what you wish about me,you can’t imagine how little I care 4 your good opinion of me.We R Still a Country Divided in many ways
— Cher (@cher) December 3, 2014
George Lopez
When I guy says " I can't breathe " he can't #EricGarner #BlackLivesMatter #BrownLivesMatter
— George Lopez (@georgelopez) December 4, 2014
If all people are created equal tell @CNN to stop using the word #minority
— George Lopez (@georgelopez) December 4, 2014
John Mayer
I wouldn't feel right posting anything else before saying my heart hurts today.
— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) December 3, 2014
Actor Jesse Williams
Non-white human beings are human beings. Human beings you don't happen to like, are human beings. Human beings incidentally, have rights.
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) December 3, 2014
Music Producer Will.i.am
I think all these privatized prisons are only built for black men in America...
— will.i.am (@iamwill) December 3, 2014
Rapper 50 Cent
Mike brown, Eric garner two new unfortunate situation. I'm not sure what the out come will be, but I… http://t.co/K7gMRoOCto
— 50cent (@50cent) December 4, 2014 TV personality Piers Morgan
Eric Garner was killed by the NYPD. Unlawfully, disgracefully. Watch this video & demand justice: https://t.co/S1auyyhRXr
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 3, 2014
Actress Alyssa Milano
No words. #EricGarner
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) December 4, 2014
Rapper and Actor Ice T
I’m on TV.. I play a TV cop.. And these fuckin cops are outta control NATIONALLY!
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) December 3, 2014
It’s starting in Philly -> Philadelphia protesters chanting "I can't breathe" in solidarity with #EricGarner pic.twitter.com/SZzVGz1yEo
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) December 3, 2014
Comedian Kevin Hart
SMDH....God the world is crying for your help. This really makes me sad. All I can do is pray & I plan on doing ... http://t.co/hWGE9vJal4
— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) December 3, 2014
Musician Ezra Koenig
if ur desperately trying to justify violence against unarmed civilians in 2014, who do u think you would have been in 1964 or 1944?
— Ezra Koenig (@arzE) December 3, 2014
Film director Spike Lee
Somebody's Eyes Are http://t.co/jhqFHBMPtJ LIVES MATTER. WE NEED THE FEDS FOR JUSTICE. These Grand Juries In… http://t.co/ZVPO3fhyUx
— Spike Lee (@SpikeLee) December 3, 2014
Actress Jemima Kirke
He wasn't even getting aggressive. I feel sick. Can't sleep. #ICantBreathe #EricGarner
— Jemima Kirke (@jemimakirke) December 4, 2014
Musician Tink
A badge is a pass to do whatever.
— TINK (@Official_Tink) December 3, 2014
