Catch up on this week’s news with our Instagram roundup
This week, Instagram posts ranged from tragic to powerful to playful.
The world is reeling from the attacks in Nice, France, and illustrators are creating poignant tributes. Athletes like Serena Williams and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the tennis and soccer worlds, while basketball legends Lebron James and Dwayne Wade and more commanded just as much attention on a different stage. Celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Lea Michele went back in time to pay tributes, while others took to Instagram to celebrate new milestones.
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To catch you up on what happened in the world this week, here are 11 notable posts from Instagram:
1. Nice, France
Visual tributes have been pouring in online after a terrorist attack killed at least 84 people in Nice, France, on July 14.The city had been celebrating Bastille Day when a truck plowed through a crowd. Dozens were injured in the attack and President François Hollande has extended the state of emergency for three more months. Brooklyn based illustrator Jeremyville illustrated this tribute in the wake of the tragedy.
2. Dwayne Wade
The ESPY Awards are an annual tradition to honor athletic achievements across fields, courts, stadiums and more, but this year started off a little differently than most. NBA stars Dwanye Wade, Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul delivered an incredibly powerful monologue addressing police shootings and systemic problems in the country. In addition to calling for an end to racial profiling and needless gun violence, they addressed the power that comes from the platform athletes are granted. “The conversation cannot stop as our schedules get busy again,” Wade said. “It won’t always be convenient, it won't. It won't always be comfortable but it is necessary.” James also asked athletes to educate themselves and invest time and resources. Altogether, their message called for peace and accountability, particularly in the wake of the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile.
3. Serena Williams
Serena Williams reminded everyone of her talents and cemented her place as the greatest athlete of all time at Wimbledon this year. She silenced skeptics and twirled on the haters as she took home her 22nd Grand Slam title, making her well on her way to beating Margaret Court’s world record of 24 Grand Slam titles. To mark the occasion, Williams posted a photo of her flat on her back on the tennis court, soaking it all in. This year’s Wimbledon also saw Venus Williams joining her sister on the court. The two won the women’s doubles final. When asked if she had her sights set on number 25, her response was humble. "Oh, God, no," Williams said. "One thing I learned about last year is to enjoy the moment. I'm definitely going to enjoy this."
4. Alicia Keys
Selling CDs, driving in a girlfriend’s car, making eye contact—these may seem like everyday actions but they are also just a few of the events that have led to the death of many black Americans. Alicia Keys, in partnership with Mic and We Are Here movement, gathered celebrities across the entertainment industry to recount 23 actions that have led to the deaths of 23 Americans due to police shootings. The result is a powerful video tribute to their lives from artists like Beyoncé, Chance the Rapper, Bono and more. It ends with a call for action to urge political leaders for change.
5. 'Legally Blonde'
If life has you feeling old these days, you’re not going to find any comfort in knowing Legally Blonde celebrated its 15th anniversary this week. There are so many important lessons the film has taught generations of viewers, but to honor the pink legacy, Reese Witherspoon (aka Elle Woods) reminded us all of the most critical takeaway from the film: the bend and snap. Instagram posted a simple video tutorial from Witherspoon in case you had forgotten. Now all you need is a little practice and you too can follow your law school dreams!
6. Amy Schumer
Botox, plastic surgery, implants—people get these all the time. But calf implants? Amy Schumer trolled her Instagram followers when she posted a picture on a hospital bed with the caption “So excited for my calve [sic] implants #prettyhurts #worthit #balmain.” That alone would have been hilarious in it’s own right, but then she immediately followed it up with a close up of her calves and a declaration of love for them. And in case you still didn’t get the joke, a day later she added an important disclaimer to an unrelated pic: “Also shout out to anyone who believed I got a man's calf implants.” We’re not THAT gullible...but you never know these days.
7. Drake and Rihanna
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Dedicated Drake and Rihanna fan Megan Flores passed away this week and was remembered by the two musicians with Instagram posts. Affectionately known as OVO Megan, Flores was able to meet the two through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Their meeting was so moving for Drake, he dedicated his latest album Views to her, writing “I pray for your well-being every day” in the credits. “Rest in peace my angel. I know heaven is celebrating today,” Drake wrote on Instagram after her passing. “Thank you for the moments and emotions we share I am blessed to have known you in this lifetime.” Rihanna also penned an Instagram note to Flores following her death. “She's inspired me so much with her strength and her perspective on life!” Rihanna wrote. “It's heavy news that I can't slide in your DMs anymore like I used to!! There was always a smile waiting for me there!”
8. Cristiano Ronaldo
It was a long month of soccer matches, but Portugal finally came out on top after they defeated France 1-0 to take home the Euro 2016 trophy. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo was stretchered off of the field during the first half of the final due to an injured leg. Despite how devastated he looked to have a moth comfort him due to his injury, he had no problem leaping with excitement as he stood on the sidelines during the match to cheer on his teammates during the tense match. Since their triumph, Ronaldo has been posting videos and pictures on Instagram as the team continues to celebrate their success on the field.
9. Lea Michele
Three years ago, Glee star Cory Monteith passed away. Lea Michele, who starred alongside and dated the late actor, posted a touching tribute to Monteith on Instagram. “We may not have gotten to share a lifetime together.. But the memories.. they're the best of my life,” she wrote. The two met on the set of Glee in 2009 and publicly became a couple in 2012. Monteith passed away in 2013 at age 31 from drug overdose. “Whether you knew him personally or just as Finn, Cory reached out and he became a part of all of our hearts. And that’s where he’ll stay forever,” Michele said at the Teen Choice Awards in 2013 following his death. Photos from his co-stars, friends and fans poured in this year with hashtag #3YearsWithoutCory to honor his memory.
10. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Actor and retired wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has climbed up the Hollywood ranks and solidified himself in history as the highest paid actor, as declared by Forbes. To celebrate the honor, The Rock shed some light on what it takes to be successful. “Greatness is never achieved alone,” he wrote. “Surround yourself with hungry, brilliant individuals who not only buy into your philosophy, but who are all willing to work just as hard as you. And don't ever forget where you came from.” In his post, he recounted the struggles that got him where he is today—including an eviction at the age of 14 and being broke by the age of 23. “We embrace and respect our past (even if it was f*cked up), but we never let it define our future,” he said. “Let's stay hungry and chase that greatness.”
11. Leslie Jones
When Leslie Jones was prepping for the Ghostbusters premiere, she faced a bit of a roadblock. “It's so funny how there are no designers wanting to help me with a premiere dress for movie. Hmmm that will change and I remember everything,” she tweeted. Her post was met with support, and Project Runway designer Christian Siriano publicly responded offering his skills to the actress. “I love Leslie and can’t wait to make her something fabulous to wear. I dress and support women of all ages and sizes,” he told TIME magazine. We finally got to see the result this week on the red carpet and she looked stunning! She posted her complete look, and gave an online shout out to Siriano.
