‘Justice is truth’: Whoopi Goldberg, Shonda Rhimes, Viola Davis, and more react to Chauvin guilty verdict

‘A reminder that victory would be George Floyd being alive,’ tweets poet Amanda Gorman

Social media exploded with positive reactions from celebrities around Tuesday’s verdict for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was found guilty on all charges in the murder of George Floyd.

Chauvin knelt on the neck of Mr Floyd for more than nine minutes as he repeatedly said he could not breathe. His death on 25 May 2020 sparked a wave of protests against police brutality towards people of colour.

“A reminder that victory would be George Floyd being alive. Every day Black Americans worry if they will be next is another day without justice,” wrote poet Amanda Gorman.

“Relief. #GeorgeFloydverdict,” wrote actor Lupita Nyong'o.

"PRAISE GOD!!!! Guilty!!!!" wrote actor Keke Palmer.

“There is HOPE,” singer Ciara wrote on Instagram.

“GUILTY!!!! As it should!! Now....rest in peace George Floyd. Rest. You and your family have been vindicated,” wrote actor Viola Davis.

“This verdict is just the first step in a long line of injustice against the Black community, often with no consequences. The work is not nearly done. While there are many more families waiting for justice, my heart is with George Floyd’s family right now. #PoliceReformNOW,” wrote Justin Timberlake.

“Guilty Guilty Guilty... No one wins.. George Floyd is still gone..and finally someone was responsible... Derek Chauvin,” wrote actor andThe View co-host Whoopi Goldberg.

“A guilty #verdict. But this fight for justice is not over. We have a lot of work to do. There is more fight ahead of us. But RIGHT NOW please take CARE of yourself. And let’s take care of each other. Prayers and love to the family of #GeorgeFloyd,” wrote actor Kerry Washington.

“Guilty. This doesn’t even feel real. This has NEVER happened in my lifetime,” wrote The Roots leader Questlove.

“Guilty. Guilty. Guilty. Thank god. Thank you to the jurors for doing their job and helping to enact some semblance of justice in this case. Praying for George Floyd and his loved ones. #BlackLivesMatter,” wrote Mandy Moore.

“This verdict does not bring back Mr Floyd. But justice is truth," wrote television superproducer Shonda Rhimes.

“Justice. Sending love to George Floyd’s family and friends,” wrote actor Chris Evans.

“Hallelujah!!!!!!!!” wrote Mariah Carey on Twitter, followed by, “A beginning... a small grain of hope for our future.”

“Justice,” wrote Ellen DeGeneres.

“Guilty on all three counts. The beginning of #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd thank you jurors,” wrote Mira Sorvino.

Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the killing of Mr Floyd – after he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following weeks of testimony from both sides, the prosecution and defence ended their closing arguments on Monday, with Prosecutor Steve Schleicher urging jurors to “believe your eyes” as defence attorney Eric Nelson said that the state failed to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Chauvin murdered Mr Floyd.