In 1947 the greatest talents in Hollywood banded together to champion free speech, the very hallmark of the American Experiment. The group they formed was the Committee for the First Amendment, and they were compelled to action because of a bigoted, blustering, fearmongering politician who was stoking a climate of hatred and name calling using tactics he learned from Roy Cohn. Among the founding members of the Committee was actor Henry Fonda. 78 years later, his daughter Jane Fonda has relaunched the Committee to pick up the mantle of protecting free speech from a bumbling, foaming-at-the-mouth bully usurping our government and country… using tactics he learned from Roy Cohn. And just like in 1947, the best of Hollywood has rallied behind Jane’s call to action, with hundreds of artists already on board.
Jane Fonda has relaunched the Committee for the First Amendment, a McCarthy-era initiative founded in the 1940s by her father, Henry Fonda, to protect against attacks on free speech.
The Committee has already received the support of more than 550 A-list names, including Gracie Abrams, Quinta Brunson, Kerry Washington, Natalie Portman, Aaron Sorkin, Spike Lee, Viola Davis, Pedro Pascal, Ben Stiller, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Penn, John Legend, Damon Lindelof, Julianne Moore, Janelle Monae, Barbra Streisand, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ethan Hawke, Judd Apatow, Billie Eilish, Anjelica Huston and Rosie O’Donnell.
“The McCarthy Era ended when Americans from across the political spectrum finally came together and stood up for the principles in the Constitution against the forces of repression,” Fonda said in a statement. “Those forces have returned. And it is our turn to stand together in defense of our constitutional rights.”
She continued, “We refuse to stand by and let that happen. Free speech and free expression are the inalienable rights of every American of all backgrounds and political beliefs — no matter how liberal or conservative you may be. The ability to criticize, question, protest, and even mock those in power is foundational to what America has always aspired to be.”
Freedom of speech has been top of mind for industry professionals as of late, especially after Jimmy Kimmel was temporarily pulled off the air by ABC and major TV station operators Sinclair and Nexstar Media for his controversial comments about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” was preempted shortly after FCC chair Brendan Carr appeared to threaten action against the broadcasters if they didn’t reprimand the late-night host for his commentary. Carr said on Benny Johnson’s podcast, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”
Despite his seemingly explicit warning, Carr later downplayed his involvement in the matter. He told reporters on Sept. 23, “Jimmy Kimmel is in the situation that he’s in because of his ratings, not because of anything that’s happened at the federal government level.” He added that his now-infamous “easy way or the hard way” quote was a hypothetical point about what the FCC may or may not do if a “news distortion” complaint was filed against Kimmel and ABC.
Yes, excellent! Let’s keep this momentum going. We’re too close to the moment to tell yet, but it feels like Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension marked a real change for a lot of people. A line was crossed on free speech — something fundamental to being American, as Jane says — and Americans were outraged enough into action. Though in Jane’s case, she’s always been ready to fight back. She marshalled Fire Drill Fridays during the first term, and now she’s drawing a direct line to personal and professional history with the relaunching of the Committee for the First Amendment. I’m so pleased by this development, I won’t even criticize the Committee for listing their members alphabetically… by first name. Content matters more, and I urge you to read Jane’s statement in full. She ends it with a banger: “And to those who profit from our work while threatening the livelihoods of everyday working people, bowing to government censorship, and cowering to brute intimidation: we see you and history will not forget. This will not be the last you hear from us.” See Jane slay! What a patriot. And speaking of slaying, this announcement comes on the high heels of Jane working Paris Fashion Week in her role as L’Oréal Paris spokeswoman, where she glittered on the runway in head-to-toe gold sequins. GOLD. The petty bitch in me is labelling this a total trolling of he-who-shall-not-be-named.
Photos credit: Sebastien Fremont/Starface Photo/Cover Images
Great timing, and good idea putting this issue in a historical context.
Kate should contact Jane’s wig person.
Get em Jane!! I suppose they will come for her too but she has been arrested many times doing what’s right for people!
She is, and always has been, incredible. Great news!
Season 6 of the You Must Remember This does a deeeeep dive into the Hollywood black list era. It’s absolutely fascinating and I found it very instructive. History really is repeating itself.
Love Jane Fonda.
She can sit back in her privilege and lead a life of leisure (look at the hedonism of the bezo’s lot) but, no, she’s always putting herself out there front and center on social issues – fearlessly. I admire her immensely for it.
We are at yet another significant crossroads in this country and will need everyone pulling together if there is any chance in hell of surviving this.
Everyone should watch her documentary Jane in Five Acts. She talks about how for the first four acts of her life she defined herself by the men in her life. Henry’s daughter. Roger Vadim’s wife (bombshell Barbarella), Tom Hayden’s wife (political activist), Ted Turners wife (corporate) and now she’s just Jane, living her life on her terms. It was really honest and fascinating.
Good for Fonda, it’s insane this is needed, but it brings so much comfort to see people fighting back! Vive la révolution!
Not to be neg, but I’m seriously side eyeing one of these so-called “A-list” names, nepobaby much?
550 A-list names, including***Gracie Abrams***, Quinta Brunson, Kerry Washington, Natalie Portman, Aaron Sorkin, Spike Lee, Viola Davis, Pedro Pascal, Ben Stiller, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Penn, John Legend, Damon Lindelof, Julianne Moore, Janelle Monae, Barbra Streisand, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ethan Hawke, Judd Apatow, Billie Eilish, Anjelica Huston and Rosie O’Donnell.