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Home · Celebrity

Celebs React to Nelson Mandela's Passing

Celebrities from across the globe react to the passing of South African anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela.

By Charli Penn · December 5, 2013October 27, 2020
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing
WIll Smith
Getty Images/ James Devaney
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“I’m stunned, crushed, in mourning with you and his family, I feel only honoured to have portrayed him.  He’s in a better place now.  RIP NM.” — Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom star, Idris Elba

Larry Busacca/Getty Images
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing
President Barack Obama
Getty Images
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“Thank you for all you have sacrificed to improve the loves of other human beings. Rest in peace.” — Beyoncé

Larry Busacca/PW/WireImage
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“Beloveds, let us offer light to the spirit of Nelson Mandela as he moves to the next level of his journey.” — Iyanla Vanzant

Michael Rowe
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“Nelson Mandela was an angel walking on this earth. You were one the greatest teachers this world has ever known. We love you and we miss you” — Russell Simmons

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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“Free Nelson Mandela! Nelson Mandela Is Free. #Respect” — Questlove

Monica Schipper/ Getty
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“President Nelson Mandela Born July 18th,1918-December 5th In The Year Of Our Lawd 2013.” — Spike Lee

Michael Rowe
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Janelle Monae

The songstress lends her signature look to CoverGirl as one of the brand’s spokesmodels.

Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images and John Lamparski/WireImage
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“‘To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.’ – #NelsonMandela” — Jesse Williams

Getty Images
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“When I first met him, he said “Be steadfast in your opposition.” I shall never forget him. http://ow.ly/rvyGe  #RIPNelsonMandela” — Cornell West

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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“Humanity has lost one of our greatest. RIP Nelson Mandela. Thank you for teaching us a deeper meaning of love, leadership & sacrifice.” — Cory Booker

Getty Images
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing
Robin Roberts
Lou Rocco/ABC via Getty Images
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“This man stood for justice and honor!! Today we lost a beautiful soul, inspiration and a true KING! #RIPMandela” — Diddy

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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“#RIPNelsonMandela Education and compassion are our only tools to combat ignorance and hate… Love & Light to all #onelove” — Gabrielle Union

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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“My heart aches!! Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela….” — Tia Mowry-Hardrict

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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“The passing of #NelsonMandela is sad for many, but a true celebration of life. He was a true world hero!” — Roland S. Martin

Kris Connor/Getty Images for BET
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“wow. #RIPNelsonMandela” — Kelly Rowland

Getty
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“R.I.P Nelson Mandela. Prayers and love to all. This great man will be missed NEVER FORGOTTEN!!! A true hero!!!” — Marsha Ambrosius

Getty
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela. Gone but NEVER forgotten.” — Niecy Nash

Rob Ector Photography
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“A warrior for the world. #RIPNelsonMandela ” — CBS’ Sunday Morning news anchor Nancy Giles

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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing
Holly Robinson-Peete
Getty Images/Steve Granitz
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“The definition of Strength is “Nelson Mandela” #RIP #GREATNESS #ICON” — Kevin Hart

Jeff Neira/ABC via Getty Images
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“#RIPNelsonMandela ” — Amber Riley

Christopher Polk/Getty Images
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“My sincerest condolences to The Mandela family. N ever will his countless efforts & sacrifice be forgotten. There are few that live their lives dedicated to others but Nelson Mandela did…” — Monica

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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“#NelsonMandela you made your people proud!! We’ll always love you for it!” — Rihanna

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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“Rest in Peace Mr. Nelson Mandela. A fearless leader, incredible human being, inspiration, a REAL hero. Truly one of a kind. God bless you.” — Jamie Foxx

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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“RIP Mandela. We salute you for your life, your leadership and your devotion to humanity. Thank you for all your scarifies in the name of freedom. Your legacy lives in our hearts now and forever.” — Sanaa Lathan

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic and Valerie Macon/Getty Images
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing
Elle Varner
Michael Rowe
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“Hero for Humanity. Rest in Peace, Madiba” — Keri Hilson

Getty Images
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“Nelson Mandela was a man of courage. A great man who loved his nation and struggled to free it from apartheid.” — CNN News Correspondent Donna Brazile

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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“R I P #NelsonMandela never forgotten! A man who truly stood for something!” — Angela Simmons

Ben Gabbe/Getty Images
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“…so I ask “What will YOU do with your time on this earth?” Talk about a purpose driven life. Thank You & #RIPNelsonMandela xo” — Melanie Fiona

Thomas Concordia/WireImage
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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“REST IN PEACE MADIBA! Former South African President Nelson Mandela has died at age 95.” — Tom Joyner

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Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing

“Rest in Peace Mr. Mandela You were “the voice of change” — June Ambrose

36
Celebs React to Nelson Mandela’s Passing
Mike Tyson
Getty Images

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