Richard Gere, the 75-year-old American actor, called US President Donald Trump a “bully” and a “thug” during the Goya Awards ceremony held in Spain on Saturday. He expressed deep concern, stating that the country is in a “very dark place.” The event, which is Spain’s top film honors, recognized Gere with the International Goya Award for his extraordinary contribution to filmmaking and social causes, including advocacy for refugees and the homeless.
During the ceremony, presented by Spanish actor Antonio Banderas, Gere warned of the rise of authoritarianism globally. He commented, “We’re in a very dark place in America, where we have a bully, a thug, who’s the president of the United States. But it’s not just in the US, it’s everywhere,” highlighting a troubling trend that spans beyond national borders. He emphasized that the intertwining of power and money is creating a “dark marriage” that has reached levels unprecedented in history.
According to the longtime champion of Tibet, Gere pointed out the influence of irresponsible billionaires, noting, “The fact that these irresponsible and perhaps dangerously corrosive billionaires are running everything in America right now is a danger for everyone on this planet.” His impassioned statements resonate deeply with those facing the realities of unchecked power and greed.
Gere’s criticisms of Trump extended to a press conference in Granada on Friday, where his skepticism toward the 47th US President was evident. The Goya Awards also featured films like Marcel Barrera’s “The 47” and Arantxa Echeverría’s “Undercover,” which shared the best picture award, while the narco-musical “Emilia Pérez” won best European film.
The significance of Gere’s remarks cannot be understated; they reflect a growing concern among many that the current political climate is detrimental not only to America but to global stability as well. With the world watching, the implications of such powerful words could shape public discourse in meaningful ways.
