Jennifer Lawrence calls Gaza Situation a “Genocide,” Expresses Dismay Over US Political Climate
San Sebastian, Spain – Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence used her platform at the San Sebastian Film Festival on Friday to deliver a stark condemnation of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, describing the situation as “no less than a genocide.” Lawrence, who is being honored with the festivalS prestigious donostia Award and promoting her new film, “Die My Love,” addressed the issue after repeated questioning from journalists, despite attempts by festival moderators to steer the conversation elsewhere.
“I’m terrified and it’s mortifying,” Lawrence stated, her voice reflecting the gravity of the situation. “What’s happening is no less than a genocide and it’s unacceptable.I’m terrified for my children, for all of our children.”
The actress’s comments come amidst escalating violence in Gaza and a growing international debate over the humanitarian crisis unfolding there. Her willingness to speak out, even while acknowledging the potential for her words to be misconstrued, underscores the increasing pressure on public figures to take a stance on the deeply divisive issue.
Beyond the immediate crisis in Palestine, Lawrence also expressed profound concern over the state of American politics. She lamented the current “disrespect and discourse,” stating it filled her with sadness at the prospect of it becoming normalized for future generations.
“The kids who are voting right now at 18, it’s going to be totally normal to them that politics has no integrity.Politicians lie, there is no empathy,” she said, warning that a lack of global awareness coudl led to similar crises closer to home. “and everybody needs to remember that when you ignore what’s happening on one side of the world, it won’t be long until it’s on your side as well.”
However, Lawrence was speedy to emphasize that the obligation for resolving these complex issues lies with elected officials, not with artists or entertainers. She acknowledged the fear of adding “more fire and rhetoric” to an already volatile situation, and urged the focus to remain on accountability and civic engagement.
“I just wont people to stay focused on who is responsible and the things that they can do and when they need to show up and vote, and not let the actors and the artists who are trying to express freedom of art, freedom of speech take the heat for the individuals that are actually responsible,” she concluded.
Earlier in the press conference, Lawrence highlighted the importance of film festivals as spaces for “freedom of speech and freedom of expression,” notably at a time when she believes these basic rights are “under attack” in the United States.
Keywords: Jennifer Lawrence, Gaza, Palestine, San sebastian Film Festival, Die My Love, Genocide, Politics, US Politics, Donostia Award, Humanitarian Crisis, Freedom of Speech.