Cyntoia Brown has finally been granted clemency by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, the Associated Press reported Monday. She was a teenager when she shot and killed Johnny Mitchell Allen in 2004. Brown, who said she had been forced into having sex for work, claimed the killing was self-defense. Because of media attention to the case generated inh part by notable figures such as Rihanna and Kim Kardashian, Brown’s story went on to become national news.
Now, many of the celebrities who supported Brown were turning to social media to help celebrate the decision to grant her clemency.
See Also: Cyntoia Brown Is Granted Clemency And Has Life Sentence Commuted
Brown said in a statement, “Thank you, Governor Haslam, for your act of mercy in giving me a second chance. I will do everything I can to justify your faith in me.” She continued, “I want to thank those at the Tennessee Department of Corrections who saw something in me worth salvaging, especially Ms. Connie Seabrooks for allowing me to participate in the Lipscomb LIFE Program. It changed my life. I am also grateful to those at the Tennessee Department of Corrections who will work with me over the next several months to help me in the transition from prison to the free world.”
The 30-year-old will be released in August and will be on probation for 10 years.
Celebrities from all backgrounds are reacting, see below:
