In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing that killed three people and injured at least 144 others on April 15, celebrities including Mark Wahlberg, Mindy Kaling and Ben Affleck are sharing messages of support for members of their hometown.
“It’s just so upsetting,” Wahlberg, 41, told Us Weekly at a Cinema Society screening of his new film, Pain & Gain, in New York City April 15. “Obviously I’ve got a huge family and so many family and friends back in Boston. I don’t know what exactly happened, and I don’t know if everyone’s okay. I’m just trying to be here [at the screening] and put on a brave face and just be a professional.”
The Oscar-nominated actor added, “The world obviously needs to change. If you think about all the events over the last couple years, if we can’t protect our innocent women and children, then we have a serious problem.”
Kaling, 33, expressed her concern in a series of tweets. “My heart aches for my hometown,” The Mindy Project star wrote. “My love and support to the many worthy Boston area hospitals who are helping the wounded, St. E’s, Mass General, Beth Israel and many more.” Affleck, meanwhile, shared his sentiments via Facebook. “Such a senseless and tragic day,” the 40-year-old Argo director wrote. “My family and I send our love to our beloved and resilient Boston.”
Chris Evans, a Sudbury, Mass. native, tweeted that his “thoughts and prayers are with everybody in Boston,” while Tennessee-born Justin Timberlake wrote, “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the city of Boston and all of those affected by this terrible incident.”
Survivor alum Ethan Zohn and New Kids on the Block singer Joey McIntyre competed in the Boston Marathon. Thankfully, both stars were unharmed by the blast. “I’m OK. Most importantly, praying for those injured and affected by this. Still don’t have a lot of info. Thanks for your love and concern,” Zohn tweeted. “I’m finally at my moms house. What a crazy day. Thanks to everyone for checking in on me and the Grassroot Soccer team. My heart goes out to all the injured athletes and families touched by this horrible moment in history.”
McIntyre added, “There was an explosion by the finish line about five minutes after I finished. I’m OK but I’m sure there are many hurt. I don’t know what to say. I feel for everybody involved with the Boston Marathon. My family is OK. I am OK. Gonna take a while to process.”
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady tweeted, “Praying for my city of Boston. Senseless killings need to stop.” His supermodel wife, Gisele Bundchen, echoed, “My love and prayers to everyone in Boston.”
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres also shared her sympathies during the April 16 episode of her eponymous talk show. “I wanna tell everyone in Boston that we’re thinking about you,” she told viewers. “We’re watching the news and it is incredibly sad. As we’re taping, we’re still learning new details. And, please know that you’re in our hearts. Be kind to one another.”
Other celebrities who tweeted about the Boston Marathon bombing include Britney Spears, Michael Phelps, Kim Kardashian, Harry Styles, Lindsay Lohan, Ricky Martin, Olivia Wilde, Kevin Jonas, Miley Cyrus, Channing Tatum, Lauren Conrad, Shaquille O’Neal and Sophia Bush.
The American Red Cross asks people — particularly those in Boston — to visit the Safe and Well website to let loved ones know they are safe.
