Some of the world’s biggest names in politics, arts, entertainment and science have taken to Twitter to share their condolences of former South African president Nelson Mandela who died this evening, aged 95.
Mandela, whose health has been of great deterioration since the start of the year, will be remembered for one of the most controversial, yet greatest figureheads in modern world politics, and was heralded as the ‘father’ of modern-day South Africa.
As world news properties started reporting Mandela’s passing, tributes poured in on Twitter. President Barack Obama also took to the world’s press for a personal tribute to the ex-president, saying “the world had lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly-good human beings”. Watch at 13:38, below:
Read some of the biggest reactions, below:
God bless the life and legacy of #NELSONMANDELA R.I.P. He was a peacemaker and a world changer
— Kelly Price (@KellyPrice4Real) December 5, 2013
A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time. I've asked for the flag at No10 to be flown at half mast.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 5, 2013
RIP 2 ONE OF OUR LAST TRULY GREAT KINGS AND GOD OF OUR UNIVERSE, THE LATE GREAT NELSON MANDELA!!! I WILL 4EVER LOVE U GREAT MAN & GREAT MIND
— Busta Rhymes (@BustaRhymes) December 5, 2013
#RIPNelsonMandela, anti-apartheid revolutionary & 1st black president to hold office in South Africa. Your legacy will live on forever.
— BET (@BET) December 5, 2013
R.I.P Nelson Mandela
You have no idea how much you inspired us all. Forever in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/VBlU4lt29H
— MOBO AWARDS (@MOBOAwards) December 5, 2013
BREAKING NEWS: Nelson Mandela has died, aged 95. One of the great men of history. RIP.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 5, 2013
#RIPNelsonMandela, anti-apartheid revolutionary & 1st black president to hold office in South Africa. Your legacy will live on forever.
— BET (@BET) December 5, 2013
The world has lost a great man in Nelson Mandela http://t.co/7H8hUrxaP0
— Arianna Huffington (@ariannahuff) December 5, 2013
The valiant Nelson Mandela. http://t.co/TexZSXlASU
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) December 5, 2013
R.I.P Nelson Mandela. Prayers and love to all. This great man will be missed NEVER FORGOTTEN!!! A… http://t.co/75EIVNl5Uh
— MARSHA AMBROSIUS © (@MarshaAmbrosius) December 5, 2013
Sad to hear about the passing of Nelson Mandela – he was the greatest figure of the 21st century – a fascinating man pic.twitter.com/BoBD7jHU7i
— Larry King (@kingsthings) December 5, 2013