Javier Bardem accuses Trump, Putin and Netanyahu of fueling violence through ‘toxic masculinity’
CANNES, FRANCE: Actor Javier Bardem spoke out against toxic masculinity and global violence during a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday, May 17. His remarks came amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, and Ukraine that have resulted in significant loss of life.
Bardem also addressed Hollywood’s response to Palestine, growing concerns over media monopolies, the influence of social media on younger generations, and criticized world leaders including President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and President Vladimir Putin.
Javier Bardem addresses Gaza war and Hollywood backlash
The Oscar-winning actor, who is attending Cannes for his latest film 'The Beloved,' said he believes attitudes in Hollywood are changing regarding Palestine. Bardem said “everyone is beginning to realize … this is unacceptable” while discussing the war in Gaza.
When asked whether he feared professional consequences for publicly denouncing the conflict, Bardem admitted, “The fear does exist, granted, but one has to do things even if you feel a bit scared or afraid. You have to be able to look at yourself in the mirror, look at yourself in the eyes and that was my case."
He added, "My mother taught me to be the way I am. There is no plan B. This entails consequences, which I am fully ready to shoulder.”
Bardem also stated that while he “can’t corroborate” the existence of a blacklist in the entertainment industry, he has “continued to receive many offers all over the world,” which makes him believe that “things are changing.”
He further said, “Everyone is beginning to realize, thanks to the younger generation who is more aware of situations we’re experiencing quite directly on our phones and on other screens, this is unacceptable. It cannot be justified. And there can be no reason, no explanation for this.”
The actor described the situation in Gaza as a “fact,” saying, “You can fight against it, you can try to justify it, explain it. That is a fact. You can be against it, or you can justify it.” Bardem added, “If you justify it with your silence or with your support. Those are facts, for me.”
He also suggested that those responsible for creating so-called blacklists may eventually face consequences, saying, “I believe that those who are drawing up the so-called blacklists will actually be exposed, and they will be the ones suffering the so-called consequences, at least on a public and social level. And this is a major change.”
Javier Bardem slams Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu
Later during the press conference, Bardem expressed concern over democracy and media control, criticizing the merger between Paramount Global and Warner Bros.
He said, “I believe that there is an increasing monopoly in the world of information, that’s one of the problems that we note given Paramount and Warner Bros. and their merger, for example.”
Bardem further questioned media control, adding, “In terms of information, who is actually going to control all of this, what we’re listening to, what we’re seeing? So I think that is very clear and is growing in importance with tech and social networks and rapid, summed-up messages which are very populist.”
He also warned about the influence of technology and social media on younger generations, saying, “They indeed have an impact on the young generation. That concerns me no end. We have to ensure the younger generation continues to think, apply reason, they need to understand, to compare, to check information. if they don’t it’s very dangerous, indeed.”
The actor then criticized world leaders including Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu, accusing them of displaying aggressive “male toxic behavior.” Bardem said these attitudes contribute to violence and conflict globally.
Bardem recently told Variety that he has “always felt that I have microphones and recorders recording my voice, and I have the right to denounce what I think is wrong.”
The actor is currently promoting 'The Beloved', directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen. The film received a seven-minute standing ovation following its premiere on May 16.
