Hollywood weighed in Monday night after the highly anticipated grand jury decision was announced, which saw Ferguson, Missouri police officer Darren Wilson avoid indictment in the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown.
LeBron James, Rihanna,
“As a society how do we do better and stop things like this happening time after time,” NBA star James said on Instagram, accompanied by a powerful cartoon figure of Brown walking side-by-side with the late Trayvon Martin.
“I’m so sorry to these families. Violence is not the answer people. Retaliation isn’t the solution as well,” he said.
Actress-turned-activist Mia Farrow simply begged President Barack Obama’s intervention, while others sent prayers to the Brown family and pleaded for peaceful protest.
The entertainment community’s reactions include:
Heavy heart, angry soul… we matter. ALL our lives matter. Hear us, feel us, respect us… ALL
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) November 25, 2014
I don’t have words. How can you plead for peaceful protest when you show up like this? #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/gRNiT2xUAP
Feeling stuck all the way over here in Sydney seeing the news just now… Sending my prayers to Ferguson & praying for an equal America.
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) November 25, 2014
— Will Ferrell (@WillyFerrell) November 25, 2014
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) November 25, 2014
#DearFerguson i wish i was there with you. i am.
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) November 25, 2014
Mr President please go to #Ferguson
— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) November 25,
2014
I’m heartbroken over the news of no indictment in Ferguson. Let’s all pray for peace.
– Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) November 25, 2014
My heart and sympathy goes out to Michael Browns family. They’re words and actions are remarkable considering their deep sorrow and grief.
– Katherine Heigl (@KatieHeigl) November 25, 2014
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” -MLK Jr. #FergusonDecision
– Jessica Capshaw (@JessicaCapshaw) November 25, 2014
#Demonstrate Don’t violate. Violence is not the answer to violence. #FergusonDecision
– Josh Gad (@joshgad) November 25, 2014
There are reports of shots fired at firemen & EMTs. They can’t help people if they’re being shot at. #FergusonDecision
– Laurell K. Hamilton (@LKHamilton) November 25, 2014
I am so saddened by the #FergusonDecision . My heart hurts. This is so wrong & I can’t even begin to… http://t.co/rgRSeafCGh
– Colton Haynes (@ColtonLHaynes) November 25, 2014
#FergusonDecision A car fire does not a riot make, but the dark smoke rising above the city is an ominous sign.
– Rick Sanchez (@RickSanchezTV) November 25, 2014
In the midst of sorrow, in the midst of rage, in the midst of hurt, in the midst of pain. Pray for Peace #Peace Be #FergusonDecision
– Dulé Hill (@DuleHill) November 25, 2014
“When I see you again, I hope it’s in a better world.” Me too Frank Irving. Me too. #PrayForFerguson
– Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) November 25, 2014
Sending my love and prayers to Ferguson and everyone affected. #PrayForFerguson http://t.co/yK6uVOLYTg
– Cynthia Bailey (@CynthiaBailey10) November 25, 2014
Watching in my hometown thinking of the Browns and hoping the community here respects their son’s memory with peace. #PeaceInFerguson
– Andy Cohen (@Andy) November 25, 2014