George Clooney Fires Subtle Shade At Trump And Billionaires For Peddling ‘Fear’: ‘Stories Are Dangerous’
George Clooney had a few words to say about people in places of power at the 83rd Venice Film Festival.
The actor delivered a stirring address after accepting the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, while also challenging political authoritarians and wealthy elites who divide society.
Clooney’s speech seemed to subtly throw shade at Donald Trump, with whom he has famously exchanged words on social media.
At the Venice Film Festival on Wednesday, September 2, Clooney took the stage to accept the festival’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement award.
The actor and director initially lightened the mood with self-deprecating humor, joking that being awarded the prestigious honor must be a subtle foreshadowing of something sinister to come.
“Do they know something that I don’t? You’ve been talking to my doctors, have you?” He joked.
The actor went on to express overwhelming affection for his wife, human rights attorney Amal Clooney, and their 9-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander. Turning to broader sociopolitical topics, he then delivered a passionate defense of journalism and artistic storytelling.
“We’re living through a moment in time where people in charge, the people with the most money, are telling us to fear one another,” he said, per PEOPLE Magazine.
Clooney also reminded the audience of the lessons taught by history, noting that the people authoritarians often come after are journalists, not politicians. He emphasized that storytelling remains an essential defense against fearmongering and also reminded the audience that “stories are always dangerous to people who peddle in fear.”
He then concluded by expressing appreciation to his supporters and urging everyone to keep moving with love and determination.
The Actor Criticized Trump’s Administration’s Priorities & Political Rhetoric
5Clooney’s defense of artistic freedom in Venice reflects a long-standing history of public tension between the actor and Trump over political leadership.
In April, things got heated after Clooney told Italian high school students that Trump was committing a war crime by threatening to destroy a foreign nation amidst Middle Eastern conflict. However, in response, Trump dismissed the actor’s critique by mocking his career.
As expected, Clooney quickly shot back, urging the administration to focus on grave global crises rather than personal attacks.
“Families are losing their loved ones. Children have been incinerated. The world’s economy is on a knife-edge. This is a time for vigorous debate at the highest levels. Not for infantile name-calling,” he retorted, per The Blast.
George Clooney Defended Mark Ruffalo’s Right To Free Speech
5Besides broader political debates, Clooney’s commitment to free expression was tested when addressing recent industry backlashes involving fellow Hollywood stars.
The Blast reported that during a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, Clooney publicly defended long-time friend Mark Ruffalo. The latter recently faced heavy criticism and accusations of antisemitism from Paramount regarding his comments on a proposed studio merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
When asked about Paramount’s pushback, Clooney firmly defended Ruffalo’s right to open expression. He also emphasized that free speech protects debate even amidst controversy and noted that suppressing opinions ultimately undermines open dialogue.
George & Amal Clooney Evacuated Their French Estate Amid Wildfire Crisis
5Prior to the industry debates and public career honors, Clooney and his family recently faced personal disruption at home following severe environmental emergencies in Europe.
In July, The Blast reported that the actor and his wife were forced to evacuate their luxury estate in Brignoles, France, joining thousands of residents fleeing wildfires across southern Europe.
The couple, who reside in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region with their nine-year-old twins, sent a letter to the mayor of Brignoles acknowledging the terrifying situation.
“At this point, we have no idea whether our beautiful home makes it through this terrible moment,” the statement read.
The couple reaffirmed their commitment to the local community, stating that regardless of what happens to their village, they would dedicate all they could to be “part of making it whole.”
The Couple Reemerged In Lake Como Following The Wildfire Evacuation
5Following their evacuation from France, Clooney and his wife demonstrated resilience as they stepped out together publicly for a romantic evening in Italy.
Roughly one month after being forced to flee their Brignoles estate, George and Amal Clooney made an appearance during a date night at Villa Passalacqua in Lake Como, Italy.
The Blast reported that the couple appeared relaxed and coordinated in stylish white ensembles, effectively putting the stress of the disaster behind them as they attended the lakeside event.
The “Ocean’s Twelve” star wore a white T-shirt paired with matching trousers, loafers, aviator sunglasses, and his signature grey hair. His wife donned a white silk gown with a plunging neckline, complemented by bold earrings and gold bangles.
