Conan O'Brien spoke about George Floyd's murder with very few words and it made sense. The host of CONAN addressed the issue by allowing the guest to do all the talking and chose to listen rather than sharing how he feels.
On Jun. 1, O'Brien came up with a video statement about the nation-wide protest triggered by Floyd's death last week. In the opening line, O'Brien admitted that it doesn't feel 'right' to share his feeling at the moment over the agitated incident, and instead, he'd invite Van Jones from CNN to express his feelings.
The 57-year-old performer further explains that it has become a ritual in the United States, whenever some horrifying incidents took place the entire country is shocked and then many popular faces including him go on television and try to make sense.
He also said that it is reporters and news anchors' duty to speak to the citizens about such issues but instead, it had "inexplicably expanded to included celebrities and comedians." O'Brien explained how he has been put into the position subsequent acts of school shootings or terrorism but acknowledges the fact that George Floyd's death was different.
The Simpsons writer said that this feels very different from him as everyone is sickened rightfully by this "needless killing" of Floyd. On May 25, Floyd died after a white police officer named Derek Chauvin, kneeled for nine minutes on Floyd's neck while he kept asking for water and cried saying "I can't breathe".
The officer was charged with third-degree murder, which Conan talked about, while the other three officers who were unconcernedly standing there when the incident took place are free from any charges. O'Brien felt uncomfortable talking about how angry and sad he felt discussing the murder.
In his statement, O'Brien noted that it felt wrong and inadequate to talk about it. He referred to the Black communities as important in the country, adding that he was sad as they don't feel dignified, safe, or are ignored in their own country. He emphasized that black people are not being "heard".
He handed over the platform to the CEO of Reform Alliance and political commentator from CNN, Van Jones who led the show for about 30 minutes. Jones talked about systemic racism, George Floyd's murder, and the road forward in this conversation.
The Redemption Project star explained how these lynchings are designed to intimidate and humiliate the entire community. Since this ruthless incident took place, there are thousands of protestors on the streets demanding justice for Floyd.