Twitter Confuses Morgan Freeman For Nelson Mandela And Shares Wrong Picture

Nelson Mandela: It’s a name everyone knows but not necessarily a face everyone recognizes. Many Twitter users shared Morgan Freeman’s picture incorrectly after the South African anti-apartheid hero died on Thursday. Freeman, as well as Idris Elba, played Mandela in the films “Invictus” and “Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom.”

"Morgan Freeman" started to trend on Thursday after the former South African leader died, partly because the Internet, always taking the opportunity to prove someone wrong, made sure everyone knew that pictures of Freeman were being wrongfully shared. Many people probably confused the actor Freeman for Mandela because he played the anti-apartheid champion in the 2009 film.

The actor, 76, spoke about Mandela’s passing with the New York Daily News.

"Today the world lost one of the true giants of the past century," Freeman told the newspaper's site. "Nelson Mandela was a man of incomparable honor, unconquerable strength and unyielding resolve -- a saint to many, a hero to all who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind.

"As we remember his triumphs, let us, in his memory, not just reflect on how far we've come but also on how far we have to go. Madiba may no longer be with us, but his journey continues on with me and with all of us."

Elba, the other actor who has portrayed Mandela, also spoke to the news site about the iconic leader's death:

"I am stunned at this very moment, in mourning with the rest of the world and Madiba's family," Elba told the Daily News. "We have lost one of the greatest human beings to have walked this earth. I only feel honored to be associated with him. He is in a better place now.”

"What an honor it was to step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela," he said, "and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers and championed human rights before the eyes of the world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Not many confused Elba for Mandela. But the tweets posted below are those who confused Freeman for Mandela, people who were making fun of the Twitter users who didn't know the difference as well as others who were making jokes about the whole fiasco.

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