Clooney’s Crusade for Human Rights, and the Price of Being a ‘Badass’

George Clooney has long been recognized for his work as a director and actor, but at the Venice Film Festival, he showcased another side: that of an impassioned advocate for human rights. In a masterclass on Thursday, he spoke candidly about his charity work with wife Amal, criticizing those who dismiss actors speaking out on politics.

Clooney’s reputation as a director has been solidified by films like Good Night, and Good Luck, which premiered at Venice in 2005 to great acclaim. His recent speech accepting the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement was notable for its emphasis on using his platform for good. He praised Amal’s work as a lawyer, saying she is “the only person to have ever put ISIS on trial and won.”

The Clooneys’ partnership has been instrumental in bringing attention to human rights issues around the world. Their foundation has worked tirelessly to bring justice to those who have suffered at the hands of oppressive regimes, including the case of Nadia Murad, an Iraqi activist kidnapped by ISIS.

Being a vocal advocate for human rights comes with its own set of challenges. Clooney acknowledged that he and Amal have faced criticism for their stance on certain issues but remains unwavering in his commitment to using his platform for good. “I didn’t give away my freedom of speech the minute I became an actor,” he said.

Clooney’s willingness to take a stand has earned him criticism from Donald Trump, who has taken to Twitter to voice his disapproval. However, Clooney seems unfazed by the criticism, saying that being a human rights advocate is about more than just personal popularity. “We do it for our families, we do it for our friends,” he explained. “We do it because it’s right.”

Clooney also spoke candidly about the complexities of fame and power in today’s Hollywood landscape. He cited Gregory Peck and Paul Newman as inspirations but acknowledged that the kind of stardom they embodied is largely a relic of the past.

Amal’s influence has been instrumental in shaping Clooney’s approach to politics and advocacy. Their conversations are marked by a deep respect for each other’s opinions, and a willingness to engage with difficult topics head-on. As he described their discussion with Nadia Murad, it was clear that the couple approaches these issues with empathy and compassion.

The Clooneys’ commitment to human rights will undoubtedly continue to grow, even in the face of criticism or backlash. As he said in his speech, “we have a lot of really interesting discussions” about these issues around the dinner table. With Amal by his side, George Clooney has cemented his status as a “badass” advocate for human rights and will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in their footsteps.