Over 550 Hollywood Stars Relaunch Committee for First Amendment to Defend Free Speech

In 2025, actress Jane Fonda has relaunched the Committee for the First Amendment, originally founded in 1947 by her father Henry Fonda, to protest what they see as a renewed federal campaign to silence critics across government, media, academia, and entertainment. This revival unites over 600 stars including Billie Eilish, Gracie Abrams, Barbra Streisand, and Janelle Monae in defense of free speech, drawing parallels between current political repression and the McCarthy-era witch hunts. The committee's statement emphasizes that the fight for free expression transcends partisan divides and condemns government intimidation and censorship. The relaunch was partly motivated by incidents such as the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following controversial comments and threats made by White House allies towards artists like Bad Bunny. Activists highlight that defending the constitutional right to dissent is critical, especially amidst increasing governmental pressures targeting voices critical of the administration. The movement calls on Americans to unite again as during the McCarthy era to uphold free speech and resist repression.