Angelina Jolie expressed her dismay on Sunday, mentioning a vague threat to free speech, stating, “I don’t recognize my country.” This revelation came as the actress debuted her new project, roughly 4,000 miles away at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain.
Clearly moved, Jolie emphasized the importance of freedom, stating, “I think it’s extremely dangerous whenever there’s a separation or restriction of personal expression or freedom.”
A reporter at the festival asked her, “As an artist or an American, what are your fears?”
She sighed and reflected, “That’s a tough question. I love my country, but at this moment, I don’t recognize it. My life, my family, my friends—they’re all global.”
“My perspective is united and international. I believe it’s dangerous to divide or restrict anyone’s personal expression or freedom.”
Jolie pointed out, “These are serious times, so it’s important not to speak lightly. We’re in very intense times together.”
The two-time Oscar winner mentioned, “These are very serious times, so you need to be mindful about how you express your thoughts.”
Previously, Jolie had criticized former President Donald Trump and his administration, citing various issues that she felt were harmful to the United States, which had visibly upset her, according to reports.
Jolie has featured in multiple Disney films, including Maleficent and its sequel, as well as appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Tana in Forever.
Her remarks come in the wake of ABC and Disney suspending Jimmy Kimmel, a move that has unsettled Hollywood.
Kimmel was suspended after Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Kerr took issue with Kimmel’s remarks regarding a tragic incident involving Charlie Kirk: “They are trying desperately to portray this child who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything but one of them.”
Several Disney stars and notable figures, such as Olivia Rodrigo, Pedro Pascal, and Mark Ruffalo, criticized the suspension. Reports regarding this were made by Disney CEO Bob Iger and Dana Walden, head of Disney’s TV division.
Jolie has a history of making strong political statements.
In 2021, she lobbied Congress regarding issues like violence against women, advocating for anti-gun legislation and support for transgender rights.
She joined the United Nations in 2001 as a goodwill ambassador, further promoting various foreign aid initiatives.
By 2012, she became a special envoy, working closely with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
At 50 years old, Jolie was in San Sebastian to promote Couture, directed by French filmmaker Alice Winocourt, who is competing for the top prize at the festival.
