These Black Celebrities Speak Out on the Police Killing of '911 Caller' Sonya Massey (2024)

The nation has been in an uproar following the release of the body camera footage from the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Sonya Massey by ex-Sangamon County, Ill cop Sean Grayson - who’s facing a murder charge in connection to the killing.

The video’s circulation on social media caught the attention of many Black celebrities, including singer Solange Knowles all the way to Vice President Kamala Harris. Timelines were filled with pictures of Massey and expressions of outrage, confusion and of course, the argument of the shooting being another example of what it is to be Black in America.

Check out these 15 celebrity reactions to the horrible incident.

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2 / 17

Solange Knowles wrote, “First words Sonya Massey said at her front door were “don’t hurt me.” She was told “why would we hurt you, you called us.” When have those words meant anything when your black and woman in this country. When do those words protect you from not being murdered in your kitchen, in your bedroom, with your babies, or on your lawn. What is “reassurance”, in this place? Rest in power Sonya Massey, and an abundance of love and power to Sonya’s family on this journey.”

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3 / 17

“So the police shot and killed an 36 yr old black lady holding a pot bcuz she said I rebuke you in Jesus name..and we out here playing for USA,” wrote the basketball player.

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4 / 17

“She didn’t even have that pot in her hand if you slow it down!” said the rapper in response to another tweet regarding the shooting.

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5 / 17

“Just another day in America. It’s beyond tiring seeing innocent black human beings murdered in cold blood. Being black in America is incredibly scary. Racism thriving but y’all will pretend to not notice. Wake up and understand how f*cked up this is..regardless of the color of your skin. It’s unfair and unjustifiable. Disgusting to see some in society try to justify these actions. You’re trash if you believe this is ok. Shout to the family of Sonya Massey. I couldn’t imagine what they’re going through. Prayers and blessings to her family and the entire black community. We’ll rise and overcome as always!” wrote the Yankees player on X.

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6 / 17

“That Sonya Massey video really hurt to watch… that man claiming she “ CAME at him with boiling water” just made me think what if there was no body cam?… and how many times they’ve gotten away with these stories when it comes to us… smh. Hurts man,” wrote the R&B duo via X.

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7 / 17

The rapper, though not responding directly to the incident, reposted a tweet from blogger KenBarbie reading, “The Sonya Massey story was the last thing I saw before I went to sleep last night and I woke up still disturbed by it. The fact that we live in a world where we can say a black, unarmed, non-confrontational, non-threatening, woman was killed in her own home by police and add AGAIN on top of that, is truly disgusting.”

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“Sonya Massey should be alive today. Instead, she was shot in the head and killed by police after calling them for help. We must have accountability for Sonya’s family. And we must legislate to build a world where Black folks can grow old, with safety and dignity,” wrote the congresswoman via X.

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10 / 17

“I am literally shaking right now because — whew, to see how somebody’s life can be taken in such a way is so terrible. And so disgusting. When is this going to stop?” Mowry said through tears in the video.

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11 / 17

“There are mistakes that happen - police officers are human beings. And the idea that now you’re going to use this situation to then try and make Black Americans believe that this happened simply because she was Black is pointedly ridiculous,” said Owens in her response to the shooting.

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12 / 17

“Watch how Sonya Massey was set up by her murderer: the 911 call was over at the door, she thanked the police and they asked to come in, they send her to stove to a boiling pot, because she picks it up, they instruct her to put it down, she is complying when she is shot in the head. MURDER,” wrote the STARZ actor on X.

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13 / 17

“Sonya Massey deserved to be safe. The disturbing footage released yesterday confirms what we know from the lived experiences of so many — we have much work to do to ensure that our justice system fully lives up to its name. President Biden and I call on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a bill that I coauthored in the Senate. We must come together to achieve meaningful reforms that advance the safety of all communities,” wrote the newly appointed Democratic presidential candidate in a statement.

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“Let her just f-cking what? Die this is beyond sickening! Pure evil!” the rapper wrote on X. The rapper also posted the video of the body camera footage to her Instagram writing “This is so sad! This makes me sick to my stomach - imagine getting killed for no reason in your home.”

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