Richard Gere made headlines during his acceptance speech for a lifetime achievement award at the Spanish Academy Goya Awards on Saturday night. The actor, known for his iconic roles in films like Pretty Woman and Chicago, took the opportunity to voice his strong opinions about the state of the world, particularly criticizing President Donald Trump. Gere, who was presented with the award by fellow actor Antonio Banderas at the Palacio de Congresos de Granada, did not mince words when he referred to Trump as a "bully and a thug." The audience responded with loud applause, indicating a clear alignment with Gere’s sentiments.
Gere began his speech by reflecting on his craft and the power of storytelling, but he quickly shifted gears to address what he sees as a troubling trend in global politics. He spoke about the rise of "foolish tribalism," a phenomenon where people increasingly see themselves as separate from one another rather than connected. He blamed this division, in part, on elected officials who fail to inspire and lead with integrity. "We are in a very dark place in America," Gere declared, his voice filled with passion. "We have a bully and a thug who is the president of the United States." His words resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom erupted into applause, showing their support for his bold statement.
However, Gere made it clear that his concerns extend far beyond the United States. "It’s not just in the U.S., it’s everywhere," he warned, emphasizing the need for global vigilance. He expressed alarm over the growing influence of money and power in politics, calling it a "dark marriage" that threatens the world. Gere’s comments were not limited to Saturday night’s speech; he had also shared similar thoughts during a press conference the day before. In that earlier discussion, he said, "America is experiencing a dark time, and the time has come for people to stand up." He criticized the concentration of power in the hands of millionaires, calling it irresponsible and dangerous, not just for the U.S., but for the entire planet.
Gere also took aim at the individuals surrounding Trump, describing them as "millionaire clowns" who are "immature and narcissistic." He warned that this combination of traits is a "deadly mix" that poses a significant threat to global stability. While his comments were unmistakably political, Gere balanced his critique with a message of hope and resilience. He encouraged the audience to remain vigilant and proactive, emphasizing the importance of standing up against forces that seek to divide and oppress. His words were not just a rebuke of current leadership but also a call to action for individuals to engage in the fight for a better future.
Despite the seriousness of his message, Gere took time during his speech to express his gratitude for the award and reflect on his career. He called the honor "wonderful encouragement" but admitted that he felt it might be "a little premature." With a sense of humility and determination, he shared his belief that he still has much more to achieve. "I have a lot more I expect to do," he said, showing his commitment to both his craft and his activism. Gere, who recently moved to Spain with his wife, Alejandra Silva, a Galician activist, has become increasingly vocal about social justice issues in recent years. His speech at the Goya Awards was just the latest example of his willingness to use his platform to speak truth to power.
In the end, Richard Gere’s speech was a powerful blend of art and activism, reminding the audience of the role that individuals—especially those in the public eye—can play in shaping a better world. While his critique of Trump and his administration was unflinching, it was also a clarion call for unity and action. Gere’s message resonated not just with the crowd in Granada but with people around the globe who are grappling with the challenges of division and inequality. By using his moment in the spotlight to address these issues, Gere reinforced the idea that true leadership is not about personal gain but about inspiring others to stand up for what is right.
