Joining a slew of celebrities condemning the fatal shooting of the 27-year-old African-American man, the 'Can't Stop the Feeling!' hitmaker expresses his heartbreak for all victims of police brutality.
- Jun 15, 2020
AceShowbiz - Justin Timberlake is left heartbroken by the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks. Two days after the 27-year-old African-American man was shot in the back by the police in Atlanta, Georgia for resisting arrest, the "Can't Stop the Feeling!" hitmaker expressed his outrage over the tragic loss as a fellow father.
Sharing a portrait of Brooks cradling his infant daughter in a hospital, Timberlake wrote on Instagram, "As a dad, this photo hurts. #RayshardBrooks was a father of three girls...1, 2, and 8 years old. He should not be dead." He added in the post he shared Sunday, June 14, "Neither should #RiahMilton, #DominiqueFells, and #RobertFuller."
"This week, these four innocent people became victims of racism, violence, and intolerance. And we're still waiting for Justice for #BreonnaTaylor," the former NSYNC member declared. He went on to share, "I'm heartbroken for their families and for this country."
Pointing out the roots of the problem, the musician husband of actress Jessica Biel continued to call for a change in the system. "The system needs to change... it has repeatedly shown us that Black people in America are not safe," he stated. "I'll follow up with more resources and ways to help. Continue to SAY THEIR NAMES. #BlackLivesMatter."
Two weeks earlier, Timberlake had made a call for action as thousands across the country continued with the Black Lives Matter protests. "Those of us who call ourselves allies need to do everything in our power to stand with the black community right NOW," he declared in an Instagram post. "BLACK people are regularly being murdered unjustly by police."
"We have seen it. Over and over again. This has gone on in America for too long, and it’s NEVER been okay. We have to take action, we have to make noise," he continued. "Allies... this is the time for us all to take a hard look in the mirror, share responsibility and ask our family and friends what can we do to educate our own communities."
As for Brooks, the African-American man was fatally shot in the back by police officers who responded to a call about a possible DUI incident. He was found asleep in his car at a Wendy's drive-through restaurant, and failed a field sobriety test. During the process of his arrest, he allegedly grabbed the cop's tasers and attempted to run, prompting the officer to shoot him.
