At the 2025 SAG Life Achievement Award ceremony, Jane Fonda delivered a speech that left quite an impression.
While she never directly named him, the 87-year-old Hollywood legend made it clear who she was criticizing with her pointed remarks about the Trump administration.
Fonda, known for her activism, took the opportunity to voice her opposition to the current political climate, focusing on the need for unity and empathy.
Fonda Reflects on the Moment We’re Living In
“We are in our documentary moment,” Fonda declared, drawing comparisons to pivotal events in history like the March on Selma and the Stonewall riots.
“This is it, and it’s not a rehearsal,” she urged, calling on people to recognize the importance of the present moment and stand up for what’s right.
The actress, who became a symbol of protest in the 1970s during the Vietnam War, used her platform to promote “wokeness” as a positive force.
She firmly rejected the idea that caring about others is a weakness, stating, “Woke just means you give a damn about other people.”
Criticizing Trump’s Influence with Empathy
Though Fonda didn’t name Trump outright, she alluded to him when discussing the portrayal of bullies in Hollywood.
She specifically referenced actor Sebastian Stan, who portrayed a younger version of Trump in The Apprentice.
Fonda described Trump as a “traumatized person,” explaining that the key to understanding such figures lies in empathy—something she firmly believes is essential in today’s world.
Fonda also emphasized the importance of reaching out to people who may not share the same political views.
“We need to call upon our empathy and not judge, but listen from our hearts,” she said, calling for a broad, inclusive movement to resist the challenges ahead.
A Call for Unity in the Face of Adversity
Drawing on the history of Hollywood’s resistance during the McCarthy era, Fonda urged fellow actors to unite against current challenges, much like they did in the 1950s. “We must not isolate.
We must stay in community,” she implored, stressing the need for solidarity in times of division.
She also reminded the audience that there would still be beauty, love, and truth even amid adversity.
In a lighter moment, she joked about her career, sharing how she “retired” for 15 years only to return in her 60s and even make one of her most successful films in her 80s.
With a playful tone, she added, “And probably in my 90s, I’ll be doing my own stunts in an action movie.”
A Controversial Past and Modern-Day Activism
Not everyone has supported Fonda’s activism, especially given her controversial stance on the Vietnam War in the 1970s.
Her infamous photo from North Vietnam, where she sat on an anti-aircraft gun, still haunts her to this day.
While in Vietnam, Fonda became an outspoken critic of U.S. actions during the war, even speaking out on the radio against U.S. bombing campaigns.
This earned her the nickname “Hanoi Jane” and significant backlash.
Fonda has since apologized multiple times for that moment, explaining in her memoir that she didn’t fully understand the implications at the time.
“It was my mistake, and I have paid and continue to pay a heavy price for it,” she wrote.
A Red Carpet Incident Sparks Concern
Earlier in the evening, Fonda’s appearance on the red carpet raised concerns among fans.
During an interview with Lilly Singh, Fonda appeared disoriented, stumbling over her words and giving short, curt responses.
Many viewers took to social media, expressing concern over her health.
“Is Jane Fonda OK? Swaying, slow responses, labored breathing. Scary to watch,” one person tweeted.
The awkward interaction left some wondering if the actress was feeling unwell, but it did not overshadow her impassioned speech later in the night.
Fonda’s resilience and ability to speak out on important issues, even after decades in the industry, remain key elements of her legacy.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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