Richard Gere didn’t mince his words when he took the stage to accept a lifetime achievement award at Spain’s Goya Awards, one of the country’s biggest film ceremonies. The Pretty Woman star called out Donald Trump, branding him a “bully and thug” and warning of the global threat of authoritarianism.
America ‘in a dark place,’ says Gere
Speaking passionately about the state of politics, Gere warned that Trump’s second term has left America in a “very dark place”. But he didn’t stop there. Gere emphasised that the issue isn’t just limited to the US—it’s a worldwide problem.
Citing a letter he read in the New York Times from a Hungarian writer, Gere described how authoritarianism can creep into societies if people aren’t vigilant:
“It’s a slippery slope of how this happens everywhere,” he said, calling for people to recognise the warning signs before it’s too late.
Gere’s personal connection to Spain
Gere has strong ties to Spain beyond just attending its prestigious film awards. His wife, Alejandra Silva, is Spanish, and last year, the couple announced they would be moving to the country with their family. His speech at the Goya Awards felt especially poignant, as Spain itself has dealt with political turbulence and a rise in far-right parties in recent years.
Social media reacts: Gere’s words strike a chord
Gere’s speech quickly spread online, sparking a mix of reactions. Many praised him for speaking out against authoritarianism, while others pointed out that he’s been a longtime critic of Trump. One user commented:
“Richard Gere didn’t just call Trump out—he warned the whole world to pay attention. We need voices like his.”
Another joked:
“Imagine moving to Spain and STILL having to talk about Trump—he really is unavoidable, isn’t he?”
Gere’s ongoing activism
This isn’t the first time Gere has used his platform to speak about global issues. He’s been a dedicated humanitarian and political activist for decades, advocating for causes like human rights in Tibet and helping refugees across Europe. His remarks at the Goya Awards were in line with his reputation for blending his acting career with activism.
As for Trump? Gere’s scathing critique likely won’t be the last word in their long-running feud, but it certainly left a lasting impact on the Goya Awards audience.
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