Celebrities React To Derek Chauvin Getting 22.5 Years In Prison For The Murder Of George Floyd (19 Tweets)

On Friday, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced for the murder of George Floyd, who died after Chauvin kneeled on his neck for over eight minutes as he pleaded for his life. Floyd’s murder sparked protests all over the country and even the world. Many were shocked to hear that Chauvin’s sentence was for only 22.5 years, though THR reports that prosecutors had requested 30.

It’s possible that with good behavior, 45-year-old Chauvin could be paroled in just 15 years, though he was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in April.

The response online was largely of disappointment, as many felt the sentence was far too lenient, comparing the age at which Chauvin will be released to the fact that Floyd will never be able to enjoy another day again.

Here are some other reactions to the sentencing from celebrities invested in the case:

1.

If you’re wondering if Derek Chauvin’s sentence is fair, Chauvin will be 60 years old when he’s released from prison after serving 15 years of his 22 1/2-year sentence. George Floyd was murdered by Chauvin when he was 46. Floyd can never resume his life. Chauvin can.

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) June 25, 2021

2.

https://twitter.com/ava/status/1408514275556003842

3.

White people, do not celebrate Derek Chauvin’s sentence. Figure out how you can put the same attention & activism on all police murders of Black people that you put on George Floyd. Your work is not done.

— W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) June 25, 2021

4.

https://twitter.com/violadavis/status/1408544186048073730

5.

I am praying for the Floyd family.

And I know that this sentence, no matter the length, does not ease the family’s pain.#GeorgeFloyd #ReimaginePublicSafety #SaveLives #FierceUrgencyOfNow pic.twitter.com/TtH9Hlci54

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) June 25, 2021

6.

The world was watching today as #DerekChauvin was sentenced. Unfortunately, what he received today fell short of what true justice would look like for Mr. Floyd and his family. Full Accountability is key to creating an unbiased justice system…DISAPPOINTED!

— Martin Luther King III (@OfficialMLK3) June 25, 2021

7.

Very disappointing. #ChauvinSentencing

— Van Jones (@VanJones68) June 25, 2021

8.

https://twitter.com/tarastrong/status/1408527402171469826

9.

https://twitter.com/RoArquette/status/1408504208190410752

10.

https://twitter.com/cher/status/1408520166162321409

11.

I mean, it’s won’t bring Mr. Floyd back, it’s not real justice, but this is good, right? https://t.co/5IKEc2Alsk

— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) June 25, 2021

12.

22.5 years is not long enough.

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) June 25, 2021

13.

Today’s sentencing of Derek Chauvin is another step towards accountability for the murder of George Floyd, but it does not bring us true justice. It’s long past time for the Senate to pass police reforms.

— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) June 26, 2021

14.

22.5 years is not enough for Derek Chauvin MURDERING George Floyd in broad daylight when we have people serving life sentences for non violent crimes

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 25, 2021

15.

Dude only got 22 years

— Anthony Miller (@AnthonyMiller_3) June 25, 2021

16.

https://twitter.com/charless_94/status/1408514629958090760

17.

Well at least It’s a step

— Stephen Anderson (@S_Anderson89) June 25, 2021

18.

He should of got the max penalty easily

— Boobie #Three5Live (@curtis35riley) June 25, 2021

19.

that ain’t enough time for me.

— Jeff Badet (@JeffBadet__) June 25, 2021