Angelina Jolie says she doesn’t 'recognize' US, voices concern over free speech
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: Angelina Jolie voiced concern over the state of free speech in the United States while promoting her new film 'Couture' at the San Sebastian International Film Festival.
The Oscar-winning actress said she no longer “recognizes” the country and warned that restrictions on personal expression are “very dangerous.”
Angelina Jolie reflects on US political climate
During a press conference on Sunday, September 21, Angelina Jolie, 50, reflected on the political climate back home, calling the current era “very, very heavy times.”
“I have to say that I love my country and I don’t, at this time, recognize my country,” she told reporters. “Anything, anywhere that divides or limits personal expressions and freedoms, I think, is very dangerous.”
The actress explained that her global outlook shaped her views: “I’ve always lived internationally. My family is international. My life, my world view, is equal [and] united.”
She added, “I think these are such serious times that we have to be careful not to say things casually. So I’ll be careful in a press conference … but these are very, very heavy times.”
Jolie appeared in a plunging black gown as she walked the red carpet and posed for photos at the festival alongside co-star Alice Winocour. She treaded carefully with her remarks, noting that celebrities risk backlash when discussing politics.
Jolie emphasized that she was at the festival primarily to support 'Couture', a new film that has drawn attention for its themes and her role in it.
Longstanding activism and political engagement
The actress has been outspoken about international issues for over two decades. She worked with the United Nations’ refugee aid agency beginning in 2001 and served as a special envoy between 2012 and 2022.
In September 2021, she visited the White House to support the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and later attended a state dinner with former President Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden honoring South Korea’s president.
Jolie has also criticized President Donald Trump’s policies and, in a 2018 interview, hinted at a possible move into politics. “I don’t know if I’m fit for politics … but then I’ve also joked that I don’t know if I have a skeleton left in my closet,” she said at the time.
Jolie’s father, actor Jon Voight, is one of Trump’s most vocal supporters in Hollywood and has criticized his daughter’s positions in the past. Voight, who received the National Medal of Arts from Trump, previously told Variety that Jolie had been “influenced by antisemitic people” over her pro-Palestine stances.
Angelina Jolie’s remarks ignite fierce debate online
Her latest comments quickly sparked passionate reactions on the Daily Mail's comment section.
One user wrote, “I’m so glad she’s not a part of this country since she lives internationally away from it.”
Another countered, “Nope! These are times of hope and turning the tide! Keep going Trump - keep clearing out the swamps as they are deep!"
A third said, “Nobody of intelligence cares what she thinks or feels. She’s shown her true self.”
"Quit talking Angelina... Just move. We don't want you here. Please revoke your you as citizenship," another said.
One commented, "We don't recognize her anymore either."
Despite their differences, Jolie continues to champion humanitarian causes, recently stating, “I’m also able to work with governments … so I sit in a very interesting place of being able to get a lot done, without a title and without it being about myself or my policies.”
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
