Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ImagesThe voting has officially come to a close, and Scotland has decided to stay in the United Kingdom.
Over 2 million people cast their ballots on Thursday in the landmark referendum, with 55 percent voting against independence while 45 percent voted in favor, according to BBC News. Alex Salmond, the First Minister of Scotland, has also announced this morning that he will step down after leading his party for a total of 20 years following the independence rejection, BBC reports.
"We welcome the result of yesterday's referendum on Scottish independence and congratulate the people of Scotland for their full and energetic exercise of democracy," President Barack Obama said Friday morning in a statement. "Through debate, discussion, and passionate yet peaceful deliberations, they reminded the world of Scotland's enormous contributions to the UK and the world, and have spoken in favor of keeping Scotland within the United Kingdom."
And while the stars are, of course, taking to Twitter to share their sentiments (we'll get there in a minute), we must also make note of CNN's major snafu when the network reported on the independence referendum.
During the broadcast, CNN aired a graphic which showed that the Scotcen Poll of Polls found 52 percent of Scotland's voters against independence and 58 percent in favor. Of course, some pretty simple mental math will lead you to the conclusion that this is completely impossible (unless the Scots are putting in 110 percent), and no surprise, the image was widely criticized on social media.
Luckily, Russell Brand hasn't seem to have gotten wind of the media blunder (yet). But he does have something to say about the Scottish independence vote. Here's what the stars have been sharing on Twitter:
Fear is more powerful than faith. Until that changes none of us are free.
? Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) September 19, 2014#indyref Been up all night watching Scotland make history. A huge turnout, a peaceful democratic process: we should be proud.
? J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 19, 2014Not the new dawn I hoped for. At least my home city turned their back on fear and embraced a future that I still believe is within our grasp
? Graham McTavish (@grahammctavish) September 19, 2014I am so pleased Scotland has voted to stay in the United Kingdom. Wales, don't get any ideas please...
? David Walliams (@davidwalliams) September 19, 2014The Kelpies this morning don't look like they are running free.
Look like they're straining under the bridle and tethers
? Sam Heughan (@Heughan) September 19, 2014Yes still means something. Please try to remember that
? Alan Cumming (@Alancumming) September 19, 2014SCOTLAND!!!! You broke my heart... #scottishindependence
? Henry Ian Cusick (@hicusick) September 19, 2014