Amanda Knox Verdict: Celebrities Respond on Twitter
Celebrities have joined the American public in tweeting their reaction to Amanda Knox’s acquittal, which an Italian court announced Monday in Perugia, Italy.
“Such a relief to hear Amanda Knox & Raffaele will finally be freed,” tweeted Melissa Joan Hart.
Knox won her appeal after being convicted to 26 years in an Italian prison for the 2007 murder of her British roommate, Meredith Kercher. She has spent the past 4 years in Perugia’s prison, appealing her initial verdict.
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“Congratulations to Amanda Knox and the Knox family for the overturning of her guilty verdict in Italy. What a relief it must be for them!!” posted Nick Lachey, former Backstreet Boys band member.
The case proved controversial due primarily to differences between American and Italian court systems. Critics argued that prosecutors and media alike sensationalized Knox as a drug fueled, sexual deviant.
The trial became a particularly controversial subject for the American public – some of which saw the case as a biased attack on Americans.
“It became clear that it wasn’t facts but Knox, her femaleness, her Americaness, her beauty, that was driving the case,” read the Los Angeles Times this morning.
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” star and writer Nina Vardalos had a very emotional, joyous response:
“Shouldn't type while crying. Happy to see Amanda Knox, Raffaele Sollecito freed. RIP Meredith Kercher,” she tweeted.
Although the majority of responses were in favor of Knox’s freedom, some expressed shock and doubt.
“Wow, Amanda Knox found not guilty? I am shocked,” tweeted Brody Jenner, reality show personality and son of Olympian Bruce Jenner.
Still other celebrities used humor to lighten up the case’s intense closing.
“This Amanda Knox thing is unsettling,” tweeted jokester David Spade. “Let's get her out of jail and into Maxim as soon as possible.”
Knox is expected to land in Seattle, Wash., sometime this evening between 3 and 6 PST. Her parents are expected to address the media upon arrival.
