George Clooney is among the stars who have reacted to news that the police officers involved in the death of Breonna Taylor will not face murder charges. The Kentucky native was tragically shot and killed by police in her own apartment while she was sleeping on March 13. It was announced on September 23 that former Louisville officer Brett Hankison had been indicted by a grand jury on first-degree wanton endangerment charges in relation to the home invasion — but not for her death. The other two officers at the scene — John Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove — were not charged.
Mr. Clooney, who is also Kentucky, felt compelled to speak up after Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said in a press conference, “There will be celebrities, influencers and activists who have never lived in Kentucky who try to tell us how to feel, suggesting they understand the facts of this case, and that they know our community and the commonwealth better than we do…They do not.” The Gravity star proved this statement wrong, since he is a “celebrity” from Kentucky.
“I was born and raised in Kentucky. Cut tobacco on the farms of Kentucky. Both my parents and my sister live in Kentucky. I own a home in Kentucky, and I was there last month,” George began a statement, which he issued to our sister publication Deadline. The actor continued, “The justice system I was raised to believe in holds people responsible for their actions. Her name was Breonna Taylor and she was shot to death in her bed by 3 white police officers, who will not be charged with any crime for her death. I know the community. I know the commonwealth. And I was taught in the schools and churches of Kentucky what is right and what is wrong. I’m ashamed of this decision.”
George Clooney, Kentucky native, on the grand jury decision today on the #BreonnaTaylor case. pic.twitter.com/WYXLWKw1uY
— Nicole Sperling (@nicsperling) September 23, 2020
Activist and NFL star Colin Kaepernick, 32, took to social media to make a strong statement. “The white supremacist institution of policing that stole Breonna Taylor’s life from us must be abolished for the safety and well being of our people,” he tweeted, adding the hashtags “#BreonnaTaylor #SayHerName #AbolishThePolice.”
The white supremacist institution of policing that stole Breonna Taylor’s life from us must be abolished for the safety and well being of our people. #BreonnaTaylor #SayHerName #AbolishThePolice
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 23, 2020
Porsha Williams also spoke out after no officers were charged with murder over Breonna’s shooting. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star, who has already been arrested twice for protesting Breonna’s death, took to Instagram in response to the news. “You deserved so much more #BreonnaTaylor ! I am praying for your mother Tamika and the rest of your family today,” she captioned a selfie of the 26-year-old who died at the hands of cops. “As hard as this verdict is for us to digest, I can’t imagine how she must feel. Shame on America’s racist justice system. Will I be next?? This has to change ! #NoJusticeNoPeace.”
She also shared a flyer on Instagram, which promoted a rally in support of Breonna. “#Atlanta Y’all know what time it is!!!! Today at 5pm!!! #justiceforbreonnataylor,” she captioned the post. Gabrielle Union also spoke out, tweeting a Malcom X quote which read, “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.”
Daniel Cameron is on Donald Trump’s short list as replacement of #RGB on the Supreme Court. The same man who decided to not charge the officers responsible for killing #BreonnaTaylor. Vote.
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) September 23, 2020
Other celebs like Common, Amber Riley, and Garcelle Beauvais have taken to social media to express their thoughts about the seemingly lesser charges. Actress Kerry Washington addressed the issue on Twitter, and also urged fans to vote in the November election. “Daniel Cameron is on Donald Trump’s short list as replacement of #RGB on the Supreme Court. The same man who decided to not charge the officers responsible for killing #BreonnaTaylor. Vote.”