Tributes have poured in from across the world, after it was announced that Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher passed away on Tuesday night.
Best known for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars movies, Fisher went on to become an acclaimed writer and fierce mental health advocate. She died in her home in LA, after suffering a heart attack on a flight from London to the US last Friday.
Her daughter’s publicist announced her death in a statement on Tuesday night. She said:
“It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8.55 this morning. She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.”
Fisher’s famous Star Wars co-star Harrison Ford, whom she recently admitted to still being in love with, said in a statement: “Carrie was one-of-a-kind … brilliant, original. Funny and emotionally fearless. She lived her life, bravely. My thoughts are with her daughter Billie, her mother Debbie, her brother Todd and her many friends. We will all miss her.”
Twitter was flooded with tributes from Hollywood’s rich and famous, as well as those she had inspired throughout her life.
Carrie Fisher dedicated her platform to mental health awareness & female empowerment. She is a reason + reminder to keep up your fight. RIP
— h (@halsey) December 27, 2016
.@CarriefFisher was a brilliant writer, actor, and friend. She was so much fun. I can’t believe she’s gone. https://t.co/wpxGvBWA0b
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 27, 2016
If we want to honor Carrie Fisher’s legacy, let’s work to destigmatize mental illness in ways both big and small. It’s up to us. ❤️
— JuanPa (@jpbrammer) December 27, 2016
Some tweets, however, sparked controversy. American treat brand Cinnabon tweeted their own unique tribute:
The tweet was then deleted after sparking significant backlash.
@Cinnabon you’re awful. Totally tasteless and completely void of class. Boycotting this sexist disrespectful business.
— tenderbuds (@theeweed) December 28, 2016