The Rev. Al Sharpton was roasted online for posting a tone-deaf video showing him strolling to a private jet for a flight to Minneapolis to join the family of George Floyd at the conclusion of ex-cop Derek Chauvin’s trial.
“Headed to Minneapolis to stand with the Floyd family as closing arguments are set to be made today,” Sharpton, founder of the National Action Network, wrote about 7:20 a.m. Monday.
During a press conference in Times Square last week, the 66-year-old civil rights activist and MSNBC host said Tyler Perry had offered him his private jet for the flight.
He said he asked Gwen Carr — the mother of Eric Garner, who died in police custody on Staten Island in 2014 — to join him on the trip.
But Sharpton was soon lambasted online by social media users who criticized his out-of-touch post.
“I heard those jets cost a s— ton of unpaid taxes. How fast is the race grifter gonna get outta town once the people there are of no more use to him?” @JoshPSU97 wrote.
“The hypocrisy in this video is hilarious. Floyd and Taylor family said they haven’t seen anyone or any money from BLM. Al is the OG from getting rich off others pain,” @JimmySm19971521 said in a tweet.
“Private jets for social justice. My God, America is rich,” The Dispatch editor-in-chief Jonah Goldberg wrote.
Washington Times writer Jessica Chasmar asked: “And you felt showing off your private jet was appropriate because?”
The Daily Wire’s Beth Baumann snarkily wrote: “People still don’t realize this guy is just a race-baiter. It’s sad because he’s rolling in the dough he’s made from exploiting others.”
Writer and producer Luke Rudkowski also took a broad swipe, writing: “I’m pretty sure this is the most out of touch tweet that has ever been made in the existence of tweeting.”
Others, meanwhile, offered more positive reactions.
“He’s done more for black people justice than any of the naysayers here. We need to protect this person. Stay safe Rev,” @PenskiTeri wrote.
“It’s amazing how we’re ok with entertainers both black and white flying private or if @TheRevAl was white this would be acceptable,” @Sonoftheking718 wrote.
“Here’s a man who puts his life on the line every day and the conversation is how he travels #ingrates,” he added.
And @Christo62052950 said: “I see you Rev! Do your thing. Also absolutely hilarious that some are getting more in an uproar over this dude walking to a private jet than Floyd being killed. God bless America.”
Jurors deciding the fate of the former Minneapolis police officer in the alleged murder of Floyd finished their first day of deliberations on Monday.
The 12-juror panel is due to resume deliberating Tuesday morning.
The Post has reached out to the National Action Network for comment.
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