Anger, Shock, Disbelief Greet Zimmerman’s Acquittal

Trayvon

African American celebrities have taken to Twitter to express their disbelief over the acquittal of George Zimmerman, who stood trial for the killing of Trayvon Martin, the 17yr old teenager in Florida.

Zimmerman, 29, was found ‘Not guilty’ by a jury of 6 late Saturday afternoon after more than 16 hours of Jury deliberations.

The Jury accepted his story that he acted in self defence because he believed his life to be in immediate danger.

No sooner had the Jury read out its verdict than prominent African Americans took to Twitter to express their disgust.

Firing an early salvo was African American actress and model, Gabrielle Union, saying, “How do we explain this to children?” In response to this tweet by @lolaogunnaike, “Apparently walking while black is a crime punishable by death.”

American business magnate, Russell Simmons, expressed disappointment but appealed for calm in his tweet, saying, “I know many people are very upset about the verdict, but we must remain peaceful. No matter what, remain peaceful.”

Rapper and business man, Sean Combs, AKA “Diddy” wasn’t so temperate in his language though, he reacted thus, #my Truth, I am blessed to have 6 beautiful kids. I am hurt and I’m mad as hell! My heart goes out to the family. He followed him! Fuck that.” Earlier on he tweeted that, “Plaxico Burress shoots himself and gets 2 years in jail and George Zimmerman is free?” #notright #nojusticeforTrayvon.

Other celebrities expressing their annoyance at the verdict include Trey Songz, Busta Rhymes, L’il Wayne, Nicky Minaj and Rihanna.

Nigerian Online commentators have also voice their disgust at what has been described as a miscarriage of justice.

Reacting to the news on www.lindaikeji.com a commentator remarked, “About this case I would be complacent with a manslaughter verdict but a not guilty verdict? Like seriously??? SMH!”

Yet another commentator on the same blog site opined thus, “This is so sad…they’re paving ways for other whites to kill blacks and go scot free when I thought the days of racism was actually over.”