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Kim Kardashian ‘infuriated’ and ‘exhausted’ by systemic racism in America

‘I am exhausted by the heartbreak,’ writes reality TV star

Olivia Petter
Sunday 31 May 2020 12:35 BST
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(Getty Images)

Kim Kardashian West has spoken out about “systemic racism” in the US in the wake of the death of George Floyd.

On Monday 25 May, Mr Floyd died in police custody in Minneapolis after a white officer knelt on his neck during an arrest.

In footage of the incident, Floyd can be heard pleading for his life, saying: “I can’t breathe.”

Derek Chauvin, the police officer who pinned Floyd down, has been arrested and charged with murder.

The death has sparked widespread protests across the US, with many calling for justice for Mr Floyd and other black Americans.

Writing on Instagram on Saturday, Kardashian West explained that she is “infuriated” and “disgusted” by Mr Floyd’s death.

“For years, with every horrific murder of an innocent black man, woman, or child, I have always tried to find the right words to express my condolences and outrage,” the 39-year-old began.

“But the privilege I am afforded by the color of my skin has often left me feeling like this is not a fight that I can truly take on as my own.

“Not today, not anymore. Like so many of you, I am angry. I am more than angry. I am infuriated and I am disgusted.”

George Floyd: Minneapolis protests take over the city

Kardashian West continued: “I am exhausted by the heartbreak I feel seeing mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and children suffering because their loved one was murdered or locked away unjustly for being black.

“Even though I will never know the pain and suffering they have endured, or what it feels like to try to survive in a world plagued by systemic racism, I know I can use my own voice to help amplify those voices that have been muffled for too long.”

Kardashian West concluded her statement by urging her 172 million followers to text “FLOYD” to 55156, which contributes to a petition demanding for the arrest of all four of the Minneapolis police officers who were involved in Mr Floyd’s death.

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