Angelina Jolie has come out in defense of free speech and lamented that she does not ‘recognize’ the United States anymore.
The actress, 50, made the remarks while promoting her new film Couture at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain.
‘Anything, anywhere that divides or limits personal expressions and freedoms, I think, is very dangerous,’ Jolie said.
Speaking about the political turmoil in the US, Jolie said that these are, ‘very, very heavy times’.
‘I don’t, at this time, recognize my country,’ she stated. Having always lived internationally, her family shares an international background. Her life and worldview are rooted in equality and unity.
‘These are very serious times, and we must be cautious not to speak lightly. I will choose my words carefully at a press conference… These times are indeed heavy,’ she expressed.
Jolie turned heads in a black plunging gown as she posed on the red carpet during the Couture photocall.
Angelina Jolie said she did not ‘recognize’ the US anymore during a press conference promoting her latest film
Jolie said she fears censorship and that the US is living under ‘very heavy times’
The actress, known for her vocal stance on political and global issues, recently shared her views on the United States, sparking widespread reactions online.
One X user wrote: ‘I’m so glad she’s not a part of this country since she lives internationally away from it.’
Another disagreed: ‘She’s absolutely correct.’
A third said: ‘Nobody of intelligence cares what she thinks or feels. She’s shown her true self.’
Jolie was previously a special envoy for the United Nations’ refugee aid agency between 2012-2022 and worked with the organization since 2001.
In 2018, the actress hinted at a move into politics – saying that she would ‘always go where I am needed.’
Jolie said: ‘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 pointed to her work with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner.
The actress has long been active in political and international issues and was a former special envoy for the United Nations’ refugee aid agency
‘I’m able to collaborate with governments,’ Jolie mentioned. ‘This puts me in a unique position to accomplish much without holding a title or focusing on myself or my policies.’
The 50-year-old visited the White House in September 2021 to support the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.
Two years afterward, the Oscar recipient participated in a state dinner hosted by then-US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden to honor South Korea’s president.
Jolie had denounced Donald Trump’s policies during his first administration.
She wrote in an op-ed for The New York Times: ‘We must never allow our values to become the collateral damage of a search for greater security.
‘Shutting our door to refugees or discriminating among them is not our way, and does not make us safer.’
Jolie’s father, Jon Voight, is known as one of Trump’s biggest supporters in Hollywood.
He was captured celebrating Trump’s election win against Kamala Harris at a party alongside Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
Jolie previously attended a state dinner at the White House honoring the president of South Korea
Trump awarded Voight with the National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medal in his first presidency.
Voight previously criticized his daughter’s support for Palestine in comments to Variety: ‘She has been exposed to propaganda.
‘She’s been under the influence of antisemitic individuals. Angie is connected to the UN and has passionately advocated for refugees. However, these individuals are not refugees,’ she clarified.
