Star Wars’ John Boyega Fights Fans Over Racism On Twitter After George Floyd’s Death

Last week, Star Wars actor John Boyega posted a Twitter tribute to George Floyd after Floyd was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Boyega then attacked racism and any racist fans he has.

Floyd died on Monday in police custody after he was pinned to the ground and an officer pushed his knee down on Floyd’s neck.

Boyega tweeted and retweeted several posts in the wake of Floyd’s death. “This just burns. Seems to be a never ending cycle. The murderers need to be charged severely. Even in the face of death this man was given zero empathy. #RIPGeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd,” one of Boyega’s tweets read.

Just 20 minutes after his first post, Boyega tweeted, “I really f—ing hate racists.” Though the statement has gotten over 1.5 million likes so far, it has also sparked controversy between Boyega and his followers.

One person wrote, “Hate [is] a strong word, we can’t conquer hatred with hatred. We rather say we hate their attitude.” Boyega responded saying, “I said what I said. Speak for yourself at all times x.”

Another user commented “Nobody loves racists. I’m from Nigeria my ex said she hates whites so I broke up with her.” Boyega fired back at this commenter saying he was speaking specifically of “WHITE on BLACK racism.” “The kind that has ruined the world not cause a lil break up with your girlfriend.”

Boyega’s reply to that comment, sparked even further, more heated, conversation and his name was at the top of the U.S. Twitter trending list two days after Floyd’s death.

“I’m not even apologizing first of all, you better f—ing believe that. But there’s no way that I have the opinion that there’s no other forms of racism. Of course there’s other forms of racism, but a black man was just murdered in cold blood in the streets … again, while saying that he can’t breathe,” Boyega commented. “So, I say it again. F—k you racist white people. I said what I said … and if you’re a fan of me and you support my work and you’re racist and you’re arguing what I was saying, f—k off, you f—ing d—k heads.”

Boyega is known for playing the role of Finn in Star Wars.