Beyoncé called for a moment of silence for Trayvon Martin while performing in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday during her Mrs. Carter tour, after a Florida jury acquitted George Zimmerman in the death of the unarmed 17-year-old teenager, the Washington Post reports.
It was among a range of reactions by celebrities across the nation after an all-female jury found Zimmerman not guilty of second-degree murder or manslaughter in one of the most sensational and racially charged trials in recent history.
"I'd like to have a moment of silence for Trayvon," the pop star said as the stage grew dark with just a few key lights shining.
Beyonce then sang the chorus of "I Will Always Love You," a song, fittingly given the location, written by country music star Dolly Parton and brought to a global audience by the late Whitney Houston, before transitioning into her hit "Halo."
It was just one of several reactions from celebrities and artists following Zimmerman's acquittal by a six-woman jury. Much of it focused on the perceived outrage of the situation. But others had more poignant responses.
Young Jeezy posted a new song, "It's a Cold World (A Tribute to Trayvon Martin)," to his Facebook page with a comment: "I am in no way shape, form, or fashion … trying to capitalize off of the latest series of events. These are my true feelings and my form of expression about it."
Simmons, a producer and entrepreneur, posted a blog entry that said he'd be supporting the Trayvon Martin Foundation in helping to repeal laws like Florida's Stand Your Ground law. He signed off, "God bless you little brother. Rest in peace."
Read more at the Washington Post.