Hozier, Jafaris, Maverick Sabre, Soulé and Lankum react to the death of George Floyd

As protestors in Minneapolis continue to call for justice for George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died this week after a white police officer was filmed kneeling on his neck, Irish artists have also added their voices to the international outrage.

Floyd, who was being forcibly arrested for allegedly trying to use a counterfeit $20 bill in a shop, is heard in the now viral video telling the officers that he could not breathe. Four officers were fired the following day.

Hozier is among those who have spoken out against racism in the aftermath of Floyd's death.

"My heart breaks for the family and loved ones of George Floyd," he wrote on Twitter. "Feelings of admiration and solidarity toward those protesting the brutality and anti-black racism that led to his death and the deaths of countless others. Love and respect from Ireland. Beidh an bua agaibh."

My heart breaks for the family and loved ones of George Floyd. Feelings of admiration and solidarity toward those protesting the brutality and anti-black racism that led to his death and the deaths of countless others. Love and respect from Ireland. Beidh an bua agaibh 🖤

— Hozier (@Hozier) May 27, 2020

Maverick Sabre also took to Twitter to state that Floyd's death "should not have happened in 2020. The system and society we all live in is complicit in all of this."

Every officer needs to be charged and convicted. Forget just terminating their jobs. They took a mans life, and stood by and watched. #GeorgeFloyd death should not have happened in 2020. The system and society we all live in is complicit in all this.

— Maverick Sabre (@MaverickSabre) May 27, 2020

Reacting to the news, Soulé said she was "livid", and the video is something she'll "never be able to forget".

George Floyd was NOT resisting ARREST. I am sick to my stomach at hearing him say “please I can’t breathe , They’re going to KILL ME”

This man was BEGGING for his life and they ALL IGNORED HIM. I am livid #GeorgeFloyd

— SOULÉ (@SouleOfficial) May 27, 2020

George Floyd begging for his mama will be something I’ll never be able to forget. 💔💔💔💔💔

— SOULÉ (@SouleOfficial) May 27, 2020

Lankum described Floyd's death as "So far beyond fucking disgusting".

So far beyond fucking disgusting. Those four cops deserve terrible, terrible things. This is sickening to watch. Love and solidarity across the Atlantic. 💔 https://t.co/DEMqcLZW5j

— LANKUM (@LankumDublin) May 28, 2020

On Twitter, Jafaris noted that, even with "all the money, power, influence and unity in the world, there's just nothing you can do to change a man's subconscious and possible conscious nature to Hate."

With all the money, power, influence and unity in the world, there’s just nothing you can do to change a man’s subconscious and possible conscious nature to Hate.

If ALL lives matter what’s happening here 🤦🏾‍♂️#GeorgeFloyd 🙏🏾👑

— Uncle Jafa (@JafarisMusic) May 28, 2020