As the news of Nelson Mandela’s death has spread throughout the world via news streams, and social media, tributes from world leaders, celebrities, and personalities have been flooding in.
In a strange and sad coincidence, Prince William and Kate Middleton just happened to be at the premiere screening of a ‘Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom’ in London when the icon passed away. Mandela’s daughter Zindzi Mandela was also present at the Odeon cinema screening.
After the credits rolled, the audience were told of the news and a two-minute silence was called. Prince William said after the event, “My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. It’s very sad. We were just reminded of what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson Mandela was… I just want to say it’s extremely sad and tragic news.”
US President Obama paid tribute to the freedom fighter saying, “He achieved more than could be expected of any man. Today he has gone home. We have lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this earth. He no longer belongs to us. He belongs to the ages.”
The clearly emotional president spoke of his own first experience with political activism being a college protest against apartheid, and that Mandela was a key source of inspiration. He said, “I would study his words and his writings. The day he was released from prison it gave me a sense of what human beings can do when they’re guided by their hopes and not by their fears”
Watch the complete speech below.
In a frankly inappropriate hoax, a fake tweet from Paris Hilton saying, “RIP Nelson Mandela. Your (sic) “I Have A Dream” speech was so inspiring. An amazing man.” The tweet referenced, of course, Martin Luther King’s speech rather than a speech of Mandela’s. The tweet quickly became the most trending item on Twitter, forcing the Heiress to tweet the below:
Charlize Theron, who is South African born, shared a tweet saying, “My thoughts and love go out to the Mandela family. Rest in Peace Madiba. You will be missed, but your impact on this world will live forever.”
Ellen Degeneres said, “Today we lost the world’s greatest advocate for peace and change. Nelson Mandela was a hero to so many. Rest in peace.”
Mike Tyson shared, “I’m hearing about Nelson Mandela’s death while on African soil in Oran, Algeria. Sending prayers to Mandela’s family.”
Bill Gates said, “Every time Melinda and I met Nelson Mandela, we left more inspired than ever. His grace and courage changed the world. This is a sad day.”
Olivia Wilde succinctly said, “Oh Mandela, rest in peaceful freedom”
Neil Patrick Harris was equally succinct in his tweet, “Nelson Mandela, rest in peace. What an unbelievable legacy…”
On his Facebook page, Muhammad Ali posted a very moving tribute along with a photograph of himself with Mandela. He said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Mandela. His was a life filled with purpose and hope; hope for himself, his country and the world. He inspired others to reach for what appeared to be impossible and moved them to break through the barriers that held them hostage mentally, physically, socially and economically. He made us realize, we are our brother’s keeper and that our brothers come in all colors.
What I will remember most about Mr. Mandela is that he was a man whose heart, soul and spirit could not be contained or restrained by racial and economic injustices, metal bars or the burden of hate and revenge. He taught us forgiveness on a grand scale. His was a spirit born free, destined to soar above the rainbows. Today his spirit is soaring through the heavens.
He is now forever free.”
Image: Nelson Mandela Online
