Jen Thomas
Ellen DeGeneres has taken the unusual step of sharing a political statement on her social media, just over a week after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good.
The talk show host has shared her love for Minneapolis, and shared her thoughts about the incident which saw an Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer open fire on Good.
37-year-old Renee died from a gunshot wound to the head, and was later declared dead in a local hospital.
DeGeneres shared two posts referring to the incident, and to Minneapolis, which is the focus of a lot of attention due to repeated raids and controversial actions carried out by ICE officers.
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She said in a video: "Hey everybody, I just wanted to say, I am so sorry for what is happening in Minneapolis and our country, really."
The star continued: "Specifically Minneapolis right now because that's where I shot my last stand-up special and everybody there couldn't have been more lovely."
She recorded a Netflix special, called Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval, in 2024.
The host continued: "I shot it there because they say it's the happiest city in America. And I found that to be true, so my thoughts and my prayers are going out to everyone, and I'm proud of everyone who's protesting peacefully, and I am sorry for anyone who has been hurt just for protesting, for doing what you should be doing."
She finished the video by saying: "Anyway, I am just sending love."
In a second post, she shared a photo of Renee Nicole Good, alongside a repost of a lengthy caption written by author Marianne Williamson.
DeGeneres added: "I am so sad, and so angry, and so worried."
The text of Williamson's writing and the repost reads: "If anyone wonders about the role of spirituality in politics, this is it. It’s not just a letter, it’s a reminder. We honor both Renee and Becca by taking these words into our hearts and trying to live them day by day."
It then includes an excerpt of a letter from Renee's wife, Becca Good, who was present at the time of the incident, on Wednesday, January 7.
The couple had just dropped their six-year-old son off at school, and were in the car with their dog.
Her letter reads: “If you ever encountered my wife, Renee Nicole Macklin Good, you know that above all else, she was kind. In fact, kindness radiated out of her," Becca's letter began.
"Renee sparkled. She literally sparkled. I mean, she didn’t wear glitter but I swear she had sparkles coming out of her pores. All the time. You might think it was just my love talking but her family said the same thing. Renee was made of sunshine."
Yesterday, Monday January 19, DeGeneres also shared a video with the caption 'hold on', referring to protesters in Minneapolis.
Her posts have drawn a lot of criticism from people asking her to speak out on behalf of other causes and to 'use her voice'.