Shawn Mendes: "I feel sick to my stomach"

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: May 31 2020 | 12:43

Last updated: June 1 2020 | 11:43

Shawn Mendes says that he is 'heartbroken' by the death of George Floyd as protests continue to escalate around the US.

Shawn Mendes has added his voice to those outraged by the George Floyd tragedy in Minneapolis last week, saying that he is "sick to [his] stomach" after watching the footage of the 46-year-old's final moments.

Floyd, an African-American man, died after being restrained by a police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes, refusing to budge even when Floyd complained of breathing difficulties.

"I've been trying to find the right words for days. I feel sick to my stomach," Mendes, 21, wrote on Instagram. "Hearing the sound of his voice crying for help is bone chilling and it fucking breaks my heart.

"I'm so sorry that this injustice keeps happening. I can't imagine what life dealing with racism so constantly is like."

He continued: "It's time for ALL humans to demand change. This needs to be EVERYONES fight. We need to start to really listen to & help amplify black voices. To make their struggles known and to reject racism.

"It's time to take action on that feeling in your heart that knows how wrong this is. That can NOT be the world our children of the future live in. The time for change is long overdue & we can't rest until change is what we get."

Protests have broken out across the US in the wake of the incident, prompting President Donald Trump to threaten to get the military involved.