Jane Fonda delivered a powerful speech defending the First Amendment at a star-studded concert in New York. The event at The Town Hall centered on the message of freedom of expression.
Fonda stated that the government and its affiliates regularly violate the First Amendment to silence artists. She cited examples such as the closure of institutions like the Kennedy Center, cuts to funding for museums and the National Endowment for the Arts, book bans, and the dismissal of outspoken television hosts.
The actress noted that this is also enabled by "cowardly corporations", though she declined to name them. She then expressed her honor in passing the floor to artists and activists who continue to speak and sing out.
Fonda thanked those attending the event, acknowledging their support in the fight against government pressure, industry collusion, and intimidation targeting freedom of expression. For her, the turnout was a hopeful message of solidarity.
Emphasizing in her speech that these rights apply to everyone, Fonda said this is not a matter of Democrat or Republican, left or right, but a question of right and wrong. She condemned attacks on people for exercising their rights and called for nationwide defense of these freedoms.
Fonda also explained the reason for reviving the Committee. She said the organization was relaunched last October to unite the entertainment industry, stressing that in a time when democracy is at risk, the industry must be united, active, and unwilling to submit to prior compliance.
Touching on the Committee’s history, Fonda recalled that it was founded in 1947 during the McCarthy era. She mentioned that her father Henry Fonda, along with Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Danny Kaye, were among the founding members.
The event also featured Julia Roberts, Robert De Niro, Tessa Thompson, Ayo Edebiri, Bette Midler, Ms. Rachel, Joy Reid, Lily Gladstone, and Patti Smith. The gathering highlighted the art world’s united message in support of freedom of expression.
