Controversy Over 'George Floyd Challenge' Video Imitating Floyd's Death Scene

Recently, videos mocking George Floyd, a Black man who died due to excessive police force, have been released on social networking services, sparking controversy. Photo by Snapchat capture

[Asia Economy Min Jun-young, Intern Reporter] In Minnesota, USA, protests have continued for eight days following the death of a Black man due to excessive force by a white police officer, amid which a controversial 'George Floyd Challenge' mocking the incident has emerged.

On the 2nd (local time), foreign media including the American internet outlet 'Distractify' reported, "Recently, photos imitating the scene of George Floyd's death, where his neck was pressed by a police officer's knee, have been posted on mobile messenger platform Snapchat and social media."

The media stated, "These images, believed to be taken on Snapchat, are widely shared across the platform," adding, "They have been immediately criticized online upon posting."

The participants added the hashtag #GeorgeFloydChallenge while looking at the camera and smiling.

Netizens who saw the related photos on social media criticized, saying, "This is the most disgusting and devilish act I have ever seen on the internet."

Local police in the United States are conducting investigations to identify those participating in the challenge.

Earlier, in the UK, two teenage boys who mocked the death scene were arrested on the 1st (local time).

Northumbria Police in the UK told local media, "Those spreading this on social media sites have been arrested on charges of hate crimes."

Meanwhile, Derek Chauvin, the police officer responsible for Floyd's death, was charged on the 29th of last month (local time) with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.