Posted by Houston, TX – The third and final memorial for George Floyd, the 46-year-old black man killed at the hands of Minnesota police on May 25, was held at the Fountain of Praise church in Houston on Tuesday (June 9). Ne-Yo, who attended the service and performed a song, is now facing criticism after referring to Floyd as a “sacrifice.”
“50 states are protesting at the same time, this man changed the world,” he said. “I just want to thank George Floyd for the sacrifice so my kids can be alright. I appreciate the sacrifice, I really do.”
Following his speech, Ne-Yo got visibly emotional when he sang Boyz II Men’s 1991 hit “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” in honor of the 46-year-old Floyd.
Neyo was so choked up while singing. He stopped several times to get through it. #GeorgeFloyd #georgefloydfuneral pic.twitter.com/Y5CcFEPAdM
— Amaka Ubaka (@AmakaUbakaTV) June 9, 2020
Even so, Twitter immediately pounced on Ne-Yo for his seemingly insensitive remarks. Many people couldn’t believe he would say such a thing, while others just implored celebrities to keep their mouths shut.
Check out the reactions below.
Everyone when Neyo said George Floyd’s murder was a sacrifice… #georgefloydfuneral pic.twitter.com/GXj9kBBKT3
— Nicole Perez (@nicole_perez1) June 9, 2020
Neyo
Some of these so – called "Celebrities" really need to re – read their tweets BEFORE they hit that "Tweet" button bc when they ASSUME they are tweeting something profound they just wind up making as A** of themselves. pic.twitter.com/EvQ47dQtpE
— Q. (@trailerandtrash) June 9, 2020
Neyo out of all the things to say u say that???♂️ pic.twitter.com/s0UHdYWdC8
— Justin?✊? (@validz_justin) June 9, 2020
Did Neyo just call the murder of George Floyd…a sacrifice? pic.twitter.com/UclO1uqtFW
— ♍️arena (@MarenaxoxoLOL) June 9, 2020
#Neyo just thanked George Floyd for his sacrifice so his kids can be safe..??
Some of those celebrities really need to be quiet because , whew Chile ! pic.twitter.com/CrTjqIyAiM
— Kaï (@kaioumar) June 9, 2020
Me after checking to see why Neyo is trending…. pic.twitter.com/lGsh1dIaI7
— Michaela ❤️ (@MiiMii_Wiilson) June 9, 2020
Do yall not know we don't allow you to act up in the Black church? Who put Neyo in the pulpit? WHOOOOO?
This pic is real real life in the Black Church. #GeorgeFloydFuneral pic.twitter.com/BhB154b3oO
— I'm tired. (@KimShoeCrzy) June 9, 2020
Every time I see a celebrity Trending, I just know they said some dumb shit!
Neyo……Really nigga……. pic.twitter.com/CFLuuHh2EC
— Miika #BLM✊? (@MiikaRyese) June 9, 2020
Neyo Really ? #GeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/zlJnOukuiE
— CAT ? (@cakesthebigcat) June 9, 2020
So in today's Who's next series: black celebrity edition so far we have Desi, B. Simone, Shekinah, Santana, Doja Cat, Smooth Gio,Shameik moore, Lil Wayne, Trina, Ti,mayor kesha Tokyo Jet, Terry Crews & now Neyo pic.twitter.com/2ZHsg7luJI
— queenie (@promqueen005) June 9, 2020
Mannnnnn, pleeeez… pic.twitter.com/rcxTg61M2c
— Jasmine “Been Hygenic” B (@JazzyEstates) June 9, 2020
Neyo said I’d like to thank George Floyd for his sacrifice .
Yup you read right….Neyo witcho ignorant azz pic.twitter.com/KPk3e7HmXf
— Ms. Living in Abundance (@x_markdaspot) June 9, 2020
I just saw a clip of Neyo saying he'd like to thank George Floyd for his sacrifice.
What sacrifice Neyo? George Floyd was murdered, he didn't give his life to for anyone his life was take from everyone.
Why are celebrities even talking……
— ? Black Professor ? (@WonderKing82) June 9, 2020
Sacrifice! Sacrifice!! It was bloody murder!! Neyo should've just kept quiet. Black male celebrities have been nothing but an embarrassment this past few days. Nothing good coming out of their mouths #GeorgeFloydFuneral pic.twitter.com/T052yHddko
— Prince (@abshir_musa) June 9, 2020