

Celebrities are demanding justice for Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man who was chased, shot, and killed by two white men while he was jogging in Glynn County, Georgia on February 23, as the New York Times reports. 25-year-old Arbery was pursued by former police officer Gregory McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, who were armed with a revolver and a shotgun. Arbery, who was unarmed, was fatally shot after a struggle over the shotgun. Today, May 8, would have been his 26th birthday.
For over two months, neither Gregory nor Travis McMichael was arrested or charged over Arbery's death—a former prosecutor on the case argued that the men had acted according to citizen arrest and self-defense statutes, after Gregory told police he had believed Arbery to look like a suspect in a string of break-ins in the area. Arbery's family rejected the allegation that he was involved in a crime, while his sister, Jasmine Arbery, told CNN she believed his death was a hate crime.
After a graphic video emerged of the shooting and sparked widespread outrage, Georgia prosecutor Tom Durden said Tuesday, May 5, that the case would go to a grand jury, according to the New York Times. On Thursday, May 7, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced that Gregory and Travis McMichael had been arrested and taken into custody in the Glynn County Jail, CNN reports. They face charges of murder and aggravated assault.
Jasmine Arbery told CNN, "It's been a long time. It feels like it's been a long time. So, this day was a turning point in recovering my brother's case and getting justice for him."
A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion)
A photo posted by on
Many celebrities have added their voices to the growing outcry over Arbery’s killing and, before they were arrested on Thursday, the absence of criminal charges brought against Gregory and Travis McMichael.
“Ahmaud Arbery. Went for a jog. Chased down. Hunted. Murdered. Its been months and his killers walk free,” Gabrielle Union wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of Arbery. “I dont want to beg, plead, reason, cry, or scream for you to see us as worthy of our breath. If you need to be cajoled into empathy, you are not who you think you are. I don't want to wonder if you see our humanity. What do you see when you cast your eyes on us? We are worthy of peace, joy, grace, compassion, and every damn protection we are afforded by existing.”
“We’re literally hunted EVERYDAY/EVERYTIME we step foot outside the comfort of our homes!” LeBron James tweeted. “Can’t even go for a damn jog man!”
We’re literally hunted EVERYDAY/EVERYTIME we step foot outside the comfort of our homes! Can’t even go for a damn jog man! Like WTF man are you kidding me?!?!?!?!?!? No man fr ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!! I’m sorry Ahmaud(Rest In Paradise) and my prayers and blessings sent to the..... pic.twitter.com/r1PNxs8VgnMay 6, 2020
"We demand justice for Ahmaud because we deserve justice," Tracee Ellis Ross wrote on Instagram. "Perhaps you know his name by now, or perhaps you don’t. But please pay attention everyone. This is what’s happening in our country. This is what’s STILL happening in our country. And not only in Georgia. It’s happening everywhere."
A post shared by Tracee Ellis Ross (@traceeellisross)
A photo posted by on
More celebrities, including Naomi Campbell, Ava DuVernay, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and Viola Davis called for justice for Arbery on social media. Read their posts below:
A post shared by Naomi Campbell (@naomi)
A photo posted by on
A post shared by Ava DuVernay (@ava)
A photo posted by on
I’m absolutely devastated and horrified by the senseless, cold blooded, racially motivated killing of Ahmaud Arbery. #JusticeForAhmaudMay 7, 2020
If you’re not outraged, you should be. Justice for #AhmaudArbery. pic.twitter.com/VyYaVK4NQYMay 7, 2020
A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber)
A photo posted by on
A post shared by VIOLA DAVIS (@violadavis)
A photo posted by on
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
Jennifer Lopez Is Leading the Chunky Sneaker Comeback
Dust off your Balenciaga Triple-S and Nike Air Forces.
By Kaitlin Clapinski
-
Kate Middleton’s Hair Is Darker Than Ever Before
The Princess is holiday-ready.
By Sophia Vilensky
-
Kim Kardashian's Gargantuan Birkin Bag Is the Antithesis of Quiet Luxury
The ludicrously capacious bag costs more than all my student loans combined.
By India Roby
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors