It seems that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Vice-President Kamala HarrisThe loss to Donald Trump sent waves of shock and dismay in Hollywood, as black celebrities expressed their deep frustration, concern and sadness over the country’s decision. Late Tuesday and early Wednesday, reactions poured in, and the collective tone was one of grief over what many see as a troubling turn for America.

cardi ban ardent Harris supporter who appeared at one of her rallies shared her disbelief on Instagram. In a video of herself watching the results, she put her anger straight with the caption: “I hate you all so bad.” Later, in an Instagram Live session, she responded to a fan’s question about attending Trump’s inauguration: “I’m sick of you! Burn your hats, you bastards. I am very sad. I swear to God I’m really sad.” They wORDS resonated as a raw reaction, highlighting the depth of disappointment felt by many.

Kerry Washingtonwho spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of Harris, answered in the news by encouraging resilience and self-care. “It was not a mirage. Swipe through. Thank you @blackliturgies and @wetheurban for these pearls of love, truth, wisdom and humanity,” she wrote. “Be kind to yourself today. There is still work to be done.” Washington’s post was a call for reflection and perseverance, a reminder that the fight for progress must continue.

On viewWhoopi Goldberg, a longtime Trump critic, didn’t hold back. “He is the president. I’m not going to say his name yet. That’s not going to change,” she said. Her co-host Sunny Hostin echoed the somber mood, describing herself as “deeply disturbed” by the result.

Other celebrities shared equally candid responses. LeBron James posted a photo along with his daughter, he wrote: “Hard on my heart and mind this AM, my princess. I promise to protect you with everything I have and more!! We don’t need their help!” The poignant message underscored the protectiveness many black parents feel amid political uncertainty.

Actor Wendell Pierce, known for his powerful roles in Wire and umlautshared a harsh assessment of the implications of the elections. “For those who have wondered how American society allowed the sins of our past, realize that tonight Trump won the majority despite his lack of character and integrity,” he wrote. “He demonstrated his racism, misogyny, xenophobia and tried to overthrow the government through an insurrection… He is celebrated for his strategy to pack the court that will ultimately give him immunity and drop his convictions. His charges will disappear. That says everything about our society. I have absolved this behavior by choosing it. A celebration of crime.”

For many black stars, the result wasn’t unexpected, but it was painful nonetheless. “For us, this is a Wednesday,” he said Community star Yvette Nicole Brown. “Black people are used to it. The rest of you are about to be shocked at how America treats you when it doesn’t care about you.”

Desus Nice, former co-host of Above & Merosummed up the moment with biting humor: “America having one of those gender reveal events that starts a fire that’s been burning for about 30 days.” This satirical metaphor spoke volumes about the chaos many feel the country may face ahead.

Franklin Leonard, the founder of the Blacklist, was active on social media throughout the night of the election, capturing the sentiments of those who remember the tumultuous years of Trump’s previous term. “Too many of you seem to have forgotten how wild the Trump years were,” he said wrote on X. By Wednesday morning, he was echoing a common sense of disbelief, adding: “I’m not sure what just happened and I’m sure nobody else is either.” His posts reflected a wider sense of confusion and frustration with the outcome.

Each response reflects a shared feeling that America’s choice, once again, has left many facing a reality that, in their words, seems heavy and all too familiar.