Charlize Theron Slams Bezos at Gala, Condemns Societal Backsliding
At her annual charity event, Charlize Theron didn’t mince words about Jeff Bezos and the company he keeps. She blasted the billionaire and his wedding guests, while also voicing concerns about contemporary social issues. The gala raised awareness and funds for her Africa Outreach Project, which supports at-risk youth.
The Scathing Remarks
During the Universal Studios backlot event, Theron quipped that she didn’t receive an invitation to the wedding of Bezos. She then described those in attendance using a concise, but pointed, word.
The “Monster” actress then thanked those present for their support, particularly considering current global circumstances. She criticized the state of affairs in the United States and beyond.
“Here in Los Angeles, in the U.S. and across the globe, we’re moving backwards fast,” Theron said. “Immigration policy has destroyed the lives of families, not criminals; women’s rights are becoming less and less every day; queer and trans lives are increasingly being erased; and gender-based violence is on the rise. This isn’t just policy, it’s personal.”
—Charlize Theron
Bezos, along with some of the leading tech executives, including Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, and Elon Musk, attended Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. In 2024, the United States saw over 200,000 reported hate crimes, highlighting the urgency of Theron’s concerns (FBI 2024).
Wedding Festivities and Protests
Bezos’s wedding, which was estimated to have cost around $25 million, had a star-studded guest list. These included figures like Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brady, and the Kardashian/Jenner family. It was attended by Ivanka Trump.
Despite pledges by Bezos and his new wife, Lauren Sánchez, to donate to Venetian charities following their nuptials, local activist groups protested the event. These groups accused the pair of overexploiting a city already dealing with environmental and economic issues.
Theron also expressed her belief in the “resistance” against current policies.
A Call for Action
The actress declared that all lives should be valued. The purpose of her project is to aid youth in Southern Africa, but the sentiment is meant to go further.
