[Summary] "Extremely Angry" US Black Man's Death Sparks Wave of Tributes in US Entertainment and Sports Circles

Michael Jordan "Truly in Pain... Feeling Anger"
MLB Players and Managers Also Urge Change
Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and Others Express Anger

Michael Jordan. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] As protests condemning the excessive force used by a white police officer that led to the death of an unarmed Black man intensify in the United States, a wave of mourning for Floyd's death is also spreading throughout the American entertainment and sports communities.

Michael Jordan (57), owner of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, stated on the 1st (Korean time) regarding the incident, "I am very sad, sincerely pained, and angry," adding, "I empathize with the pain, anger, and frustration of many people."

Jordan, who won the NBA Championship Finals six times during his active career with the Chicago Bulls, said, "I stand with those who resist deep-rooted racial discrimination and violence against people of color," and added, "We have endured enough of these things."

However, he emphasized, "We must express our will to resist injustice in a peaceful manner," and "Our united voice must pressure our leaders to amend the laws, and if that does not happen, we must bring about institutional change through voting."

He continued, "I offer my condolences to Floyd's family and the many others who have experienced such racial discrimination and injustice," and added, "We all must take part in solving the problem and unite to ensure justice is realized for everyone."

On the same day, according to NBC in the United States, Major League Baseball (MLB) players and managers also appealed on their social network service (SNS) accounts for participation in actions to bring about change in American society.

Marcus Stroman, pitcher for the New York Mets, emphasized, "Racism is deeply rooted in our society and culture and still runs rampant," adding, "Look in the mirror and truly check whether you are part of the problem or part of the solution. Your true colors will always be revealed."

Slugger Giancarlo Stanton (New York Yankees) said, "(This is) really tiresome. Regardless of your skin color or characteristics, we are all human," and urged, "Only true change will bring justice for Floyd and all those who came before him." Andrew McCutchen (Philadelphia Phillies) asserted, "Floyd should be alive. We want change, not sympathy."

Rocco Baldelli, manager of the Minnesota Twins, and Gabe Kapler, manager of the San Francisco Giants, also raised their voices, saying, "There is much to improve going forward. Remember Floyd's name and what happened."

Beyonc?. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Not only sports stars but also Hollywood stars voiced protest and anger over the Floyd incident. Pop star Beyonc? posted on her Instagram on the 30th of last month (local time), "We witnessed George Floyd being killed in broad daylight. It broke my heart, and I cannot accept this pain as normal. We need justice," along with a link to the George Floyd petition.

She continued, "I am not only speaking to people of color about this issue. Whether white, Black, or any race, I think many feel powerless because of the racism happening in America right now. We cannot ignore this problem," she emphasized.

Top stars such as Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift also raised their voices on this issue. Ariana Grande urged on her SNS with the hashtag 'Black Lives Matter,' "Keep talking with those around you about the merciless killings and racism that happen too often in this country."

Taylor Swift also criticized President Donald Trump's post, "When the looting starts, the shooting starts," saying, "President Trump is inciting white supremacy and racism," and pointed out, "He shamelessly pretends to be morally superior but threatens to use violence."

Earlier, in Minnesota, a white police officer pressed his knee on the neck of George Floyd, a Black man, leading to Floyd's death last month.

Especially after a video showing Floyd pleading "I can't breathe" was released, protests erupted across the United States, escalating into violent clashes.

Meanwhile, Minnesota declared a state of emergency on the 29th (local time) and deployed about 500 National Guard troops to Minneapolis and St. Paul. Deputy Chief of Staff John Jensen said at a press conference that day, "We will support the police and carry out operations until we are no longer needed."

President Trump labeled the rioting protesters as "thugs" and declared a tough stance, saying, "When the looting starts, the shooting starts."

However, as protests spread to more than ten cities across the U.S., tensions are rising further. According to U.S. media, protests have spread to New York, New York; Los Angeles (LA), California; Phoenix, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; Louisville, Kentucky; Memphis, Tennessee; Columbus, Ohio; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Portland, Oregon; and Orlando, Florida. Protesters nationwide threw stones and water bottles, damaging police vehicles, while police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.