These Are the 11 Most Powerful Celeb Reactions to the Orlando Shootings
On the heels of the news of Christina Grimmie’s untimely death at the hands of a shooter, America awoke this morning to find that tragedy had struck yet again. A senseless terrorist attack in Orlando, Florida took the lives of 50 individuals at a gay nightclub and injured more than 50 others. Marking the worst mass shooting in American history, the incident left us all in mourning and attempting to come to terms with the tragedy. Just like with the attacks in France and Brussels, many celebs took to social media to express their regret and prayers for the victims and families, though perhaps none said it better than the 11 stars below, whose heartfelt words, outrage and calls for action truly touched us. Read their powerful sentiments below.
1. Justin Timberlake: Justin had a LOT to say regarding last night’s tragedy, all of it heartbreaking. His full message reads as follows:
“Last night, in celebration of pride, a group of people — people like you or me or your neighbors or family — were dancing and listening to music and celebrating life, just like you or me or your neighbors would. And then, one man and one gun took that life away from them. That’s cruel. And it’s exactly what America stands for. I try to make music that hopefully brings joy to people and makes people dance and makes people feel and makes people LOVE…because there’s nothing more pure and beautiful than that act — and the fact that that resulted in the largest mass shooting in American history leaves me heartbroken. I used to LIVE there. I hope we can wake up and realize that we are all the SAME. Just humans. One species. Wanting to be LOVED.”
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2. Jamie Lee Curtis: “My friends, Curtis and Jim, fathers of two, got married. I was there. I took this. A kiss cannot be KILLED. This is LOVE. This is COMMITMENT. This is SACRIFICE. This is FAMILY. This will never STOP.”
3. Kelly Osbourne: After taking some time to mourn, Kelly did her part to support the community, writing, “Love and equality will always triumph. After many tears and prayers today, making signs to show our support and solidarity. Let’s show the world that fear can go f*ck itself. Make your sign and meet me at Pride.”
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4. Lady Gaga: As a champion for the LGBTQ community, Lady Gaga wasn’t about to keep quiet regarding last night’s shootings. “Stand strong with your pride,” she says. “It belongs to you. Love is opposite of hate. My sincerest mourning for LGBTQ’s suffering today. I pray for gun control and a cultural evolution of kindness. For all people. We can’t divide in the face of evil, we must stick together and heal each other, we are brothers and sisters.”
5. Ruby Rose: As a member of the LGBTQ community herself, Ruby Rose shared how the news hit close to home. “Woke up to hear the news about Orlando,” she begins. “Devastated, heartbroken, sick. I played there last Friday and I performed after Pride in LA. From the DJ booth you see laughter, love, dancing, freedom and beautiful people living their lives and not harming anyone. This horrific tragedy has me on my knees at the mercy of a higher power to ask the simple question of ‘When will this end.’ I’m praying for Orlando, I’m crying for Orlando and I am there with you in spirit giving you my love and strength.”
6. Mischa Barton: Mischa, like Kelly, calls for action, saying, “This is an attack on life, identity, humanity and we all have to stand up.”
7. Bella Hadid: Bella urges people to join together in harmony, saying, “Let’s live in a world where we can love one another for our differences instead of discriminate and hate.”
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8. Bella Thorne: Apart from offering her condolences, Bella let this quote by Alfred Kinsey speak for itself, which reads, “Only the human mind invents categories and tries to force facts into separated pigeon-holes. The living world in a continuum in each and every one of its aspects. The sooner we learn this regarding sexual behavior the sooner we shall reach a sound understanding of the realities of sex.”
View this post on InstagramStop Hate. Stop Violence. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️#revolutionoflove
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9. Madonna: Madge posted several strong posts on the topic, including this iconic photo of her and Britney Spears sharing a kiss onstage at the 2003 VMA awards, as well as the following message beneath a shot of two men kissing: “Love is love. Stop hate crimes. Any form of terrorism is a form of hate! If this image bothers you why are you following me? Tongues are not the problem. Intolerance is the problem.”
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10. Jennifer Lopez: The American Idol judge and singer also shared her thoughts, captioning a rainbow flag with the following: “Attacks on ANY person based on race, sexuality or religious beliefs is an attack on ALL humanity. Acts of terror and hatred have no place in a loving and civilized world. This has to stop. Praying for enlightenment for us all to find a solution.”
11. Alex Rodriguez: “America stands for love and tolerance and not hate,” wrote A-Rod.
Interested parties can offer their financial support for the victims here.
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(Photo via @rod/Getty)