Angelina Jolie’s Strong Stance on Free Speech

During a recent appearance at Spain’s San Sebastián Film Festival, actress Angelina Jolie expressed her deep concern over current threats to free speech in the United States. “I don’t recognize my country,” she stated, highlighting the dangers of limiting personal expressions and freedoms.

The Artist’s Perspective

Jolie was questioned by a journalist about her fears as both an artist and an American. She remarked, “It is a very difficult question. I love my country, but at this time, I don’t recognize my country.” She emphasized her international perspective, stating, “Anything anywhere that divides or limits personal expressions and freedoms from anyone, I think, is very dangerous.”

Heightened Tensions in Media

The comments from Jolie come in the wake of Jimmy Kimmel Live! being suspended indefinitely by ABC, a move linked to the FCC’s criticism of Kimmel’s remarks regarding a recent tragic event. Kimmel’s statements included accusations against a political group, prompting a backlash.

Celebrity Reactions

Jolie is not alone in her concerns. Fellow actors, including Mark Ruffalo and Pedro Pascal, have also voiced their dissent against Kimmel’s suspension. Ruffalo warned that “Disney’s stock will go down a lot further if they cancel” Kimmel’s show and emphasized the importance of free speech.

Pascal expressed his solidarity with Kimmel on social media, urging followers to defend democracy. Meanwhile, Tatiana Maslany and showrunner Damon Lindelof called for actions against the suspension, prompting an outcry from the Hollywood community.

The Broader Implications

As discussions around free speech intensify, the situation has drawn notable commentary from various celebrities. Olivia Rodrigo has also shown support for Kimmel, highlighting what she describes as “blatant censorship and abuse of power.”

Dan Gilroy, an Emmy-winning writer, reflected on the parallels between media freedom today and historical instances of authoritarianism, connecting current events to broader cultural themes.

Conclusion

Angelina Jolie’s remarks at the San Sebastián Film Festival and the ongoing discussions regarding Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension underscore a significant moment in the discourse on free speech in the United States. As public figures unite in defense of expression, the conversation around censorship and personal freedoms continues to gain momentum.

Published: 2025-09-22 03:20:00 | Source: www.theguardian.com