Social media was filled with people celebrating the conviction of Derek Chauvin last night after the cop was found guilty of murdering George Floyd.
Many focused on Chauvin’s fate in prison, with several hashtags including #RIPBOZO, #THANKYOUGOD and #ROTINHELL trending on Twitter
And celebrities also flooded social media as they reacted to the news of Derek Chauvin being found guilty on all three charges of murder and manslaughter.
Whoopi Goldberg, Kerry Washington, Chris Evans and Mariah Carey were just some of the stars who were first to share their thoughts on Twitter, seconds after the jury in Minneapolis returned its verdict following just 10 and a half hours of deliberation.
Scandal actress Washington, 44, tweeted: ‘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.’
The View host Goldberg, 65, told her followers: ‘Guilty Guilty Guilty… No one wins.. George Floyd is still gone.. and finally someone was responsible… Derek Chauvin.’ Goldberg’s Republican co-host Meghan McCain simply tweeted: ‘May justice heal our nation.’
‘Derek Chauvin’s card today,’ added another, referencing the infamous ‘Go Straight to Jail’ card from Monopoly
Stars react: Whoopi said that ‘no one wins’ after the verdict but ‘finally someone was responsible’
Reaction: Actors Zendaya (left) and Viola Davis (right) took to Instagram to share images of the late George Floyd in response to Tuesday’s verdict
Thankful: Oprah Winfrey took to Instagram with an older picture of Floyd donning a tuxedo, expressing her relief after the verdict was read
Emotional: Grammy winner Lizzo took to her Instagram account as she held back tears saying she had ‘nothing to say but everything to feel’
One person said that Chauvin was now on the Governor’s Naughty List after already being on Santa’s Naughty List
A user shared a photo of Lebron James smoking a cigar and added: ‘THIS DEREK CHAUVIN PACK HITTIN RN! ROT IN HELL!’
Chauvin faces a minimum sentence of 12.5 years and maximum of 40 years if he serves terms for each charge concurrently. If served consecutively, he faces between 29 and 75 years.
Oprah Winfrey took to Instagram with an older picture of Floyd donning a tuxedo, expressing her relief after the verdict was read.
‘Relieved – and emotional in ways I didn’t expect,’ she said. ‘I cried tears of joy as each verdict was read. I’m grateful to the witnesses and their testimonies. Grateful to every Juror for seeing and acknowledging what the world saw on that tape. Thank you God for real!’
Meanwhile, Oscar-winner Viola Davis lead reactions on Instagram who posted a painting of Floyd with the caption: ‘GUILTY!!!! As it should!! Now….rest in peace George Floyd. Rest. You and your family have been vindicated.’
In an emotional video posted to Instagram, Grammy winner Lizzo spoke directly to her 10.2million followers, while holding back her tears.
Others also began highlighting that today was 4/20 – to celebrate smoking cannabis – asking for the ‘Derek Chauvin pack’ and showing people smoking.
She captioned the post: ‘Thank you to all the organizations dedicated to the protest and protection of black people. Twin cities you have been through so much. Nothing to say here but I love you. Rest in power George Floyd.’
Kerry Washington also took to her Instagram page to share a graphic that read ‘We have a verdict. Now what?’ which contained a call to action for her followers, urging them to help pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
Mariah Carey also shared the same graphic, adding to her Instagram Stories: ‘Thank you because we need this. Sending love and prayers to the Floyd family. This is a day that will never be forgotten.. Believing something good will come out of this tragedy.. it’s a start. Praise the Lord!’
Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx posted his reaction to the verdict, which he called a ‘bittersweet moment’ in a response on Instagram.
‘I am happy and relieved that the person that did this horrendous thing to you and your family was found guilty,’ Foxx began his post. ‘The bitter is that we cannot bring you back… The bitter is all of the lives that were affected by what happened to you… all the tears that have been shed… and hearts broken…’
He continued: ‘But through prayer and faithful people… Today with the announcement of this Verdict gives us some type of hope… hope that we can start righting the wrongs that have been in place for years in this country… rest in power George… And know that your words resonated around the whole world…’
Focused: Actress Sophia Bush said she was relieved that there was ‘accountability, finally’ in the case
Keep pushing: Singer Demi Lovato called for further reforms for law enforcement
Actress Milla Jovovich reposted a clip from activist Shaun King, expressing a bit of skepticism about the social sea change amid the fatal shooting of Ohio teen Makiyah Bryant
‘The “abolish prisons” leaving my body when derek chauvin is found guilty on all 3 counts,’ one user said
Several hashtags soon trended on Twitter, with #RIPBOZO, #THANKYOUGOD and #ROTINHELL being the most prominent on the app
‘Smoking tf outta this Derek Chauvin pack,’ stated a different user, showing a photo of Michael Jordan also enjoying a celebratory cigar.
Some users reacted to how the disgraced former police officer reacted to the verdict being read, noting he appeared to be in disbelief
Demi Lovato said, ‘Rest in power, George Floyd. We must keep fighting to end qualified immunity.’
Justin Timberlake said his heart was with George Floyd’s family on the emotional day.
‘This verdict is just the first step in a long line of injustice against the Black community, often with no consequences,’ he said. ‘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.’
Another user shared a photo of Lebron James smoking a cigar and added: ‘THIS DEREK CHAUVIN PACK HITTIN RN! ROT IN HELL!’
‘Smoking tf outta this Derek Chauvin pack,’ stated a different user, showing a photo of Michael Jordan also enjoying a celebratory cigar.
One person said that Chauvin was now on the Governor’s Naughty List after already being on Santa’s Naughty List.
Others asked what people would be wearing to the sentencing showing off outrageous outfits
Some users reacted to how the disgraced former police officer reacted to the verdict being read, noting he appeared to be in disbelief.
Others asked what people would be wearing to the sentencing, showing off outrageous outfits.
‘The “abolish prisons” leaving my body when derek chauvin is found guilty on all 3 counts,’ one user said.
‘Derek Chauvin’s card today,’ added another, referencing the infamous ‘Go Straight to Jail’ card from Monopoly.