Lady Gaga has launched a deeply critical attack on President Donald Trump for his handling of the George Floyd tragedy.
Earlier this week, Floyd - a 46-year-old African-American - died after being restrained by a police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes.
After footage of the incident went viral, there have been widespread protests across the US, which Trump responded to in a tweet with the message: "Once the looting starts, the shooting starts."
In a lengthy post on social media, Gaga wrote: "I'm afraid to say anything that will incite further anger, although that is precisely the emotion that's justified. I do not wish to contribute to more violence, I wish to contribute to a solution.
"The voices of the black community have been silenced for too long and that silence has proven deadly time and time again. And no matter what they do to protest, they are still met with no compassion by the leaders that are meant to protect them. Everyday people in America are racist, that's a fact."
Turning to the president, she added: "We have known for a long time that President Trump has failed. He holds the most powerful office in the world, yet offers nothing but ignorance and prejudice while black lives continue to be taken.
"We have known he is a fool, and a racist, since he took office. He is fuelling a system that is already rooted in racism, and racist activity, and we can all see what is happening.
"It's time for a change. I urge people to speak gently to each other, speak with passion, inspiration, and impress the importance of this issue until the systems that keep us sick die, instead of people we love."
Trump's controversial tweet was taken down by the platform for violating its guidelines, prompting the President to respond by suggesting that he could impose restrictions on the social network.
Neil Wilkes
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