Hollywood celebs support shooting survivors, protests

Natalie Portman

Several celebrities expressed support for the students who protested for stricter gun laws last weekend, across the United States and in different parts of the globe.

Actors, singer-performers and other artists joined the demonstrations for “March for Our Lives,” which had 800 simultaneous events.

Whether in the actual thick of things or in spirit, they let their fans know where they stand, and encouraged others to help out.

At various locations, celebrities like Lady Gaga, Melissa Joan Hart and Kathy Griffin posted videos and photographs with protesters of all ages on social media.

Hart went to Washington with her eldest son, Mason, and wrote on Instagram, “Their schools should be safe zones for them to learn and grow, not die … Wonderful weekend in our nation’s capital, exercising our freedom to protest and letting Congress know that we’re watching them and reminding them that they work for us.”

In New York, Paul McCartney told CNN, “One of my best friends was killed in gun violence right around here, so it’s important to me.”

The ex-Beatle referred to the fatal shooting of former bandmate, John Lennon, in 1980.

“I will follow Emma Gonzalez wherever she leads,” said Natalie Portman of supporting the vocal survivor of the Parkland, Florida, shooting in February, sharing the video of the teen activist’s speech on Instagram.

Zac Efron and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” star Vincent Rodriguez shared the Time cover featuring the survivors, which Portman previously reposted.

Zac Efron

Efron, last seen in “The Greatest Showman,” said on Instagram and Twitter, “I’m so inspired today by our future leaders. I stand with you.”

Meanwhile, Ricky Martin posted, “Kids, be loud! Keep speaking your truth.”

Ricky Martin

Taylor Swift also announced, “I’ve made a donation to show my support for the students, for the March for Our Lives campaign, for everyone affected by these tragedies and to support gun reform.”

An elated Debra Messing shared, also on Instagram: “The extraordinary kids, who have experienced such trauma and loss, have stepped up and showed us what it means to be leaders.” —OLIVER PULUMBARIT