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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.
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
