Emmys 2025: Ignoring Charlie Kirk's Death, Hollywood Takes a Stand on ICE and Palestine
Hollywood's Hypocrisy Exposed: No Mention of Charlie Kirk's Assassination at Emmys, but Plenty of Politicking
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony was held last Sunday night in Los Angeles, and it was a night filled with glamour, glitz, and good old-fashioned Hollywood politics. While the celebrities in attendance were busy accepting their awards and giving heartfelt speeches, one notable absence caught everyone's attention: any mention of the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Yes, you read that right - no mention of the brutal murder of Charlie Kirk, a Republican activist who was tragically killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. The incident made international headlines and sparked widespread outrage, but it seemed to be completely swept under the rug by the Hollywood elite during the Emmys.
The #MeToo Movement Takes Center Stage
As expected, some of the celebrities in attendance used their platform to express their opinions on hot-button issues like racism, police brutality, and social justice. In a nod to the ongoing #MeToo movement, several winners took the stage to condemn systemic inequality and advocate for greater representation in the entertainment industry.
Notably, Hannah Einbinder's acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series was interrupted by her impassioned plea for freedom of Palestine and an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Hacks star concluded her remarks by urging everyone to "free Palestine" - a message that sparked both applause and criticism among viewers.
The #CharlieKirk Snub
Meanwhile, many social media users took to Twitter to express their outrage over the apparent snub of Charlie Kirk's assassination at the Emmys. One user aptly summed up the situation: "So they decided to be non-political this year is why NO Moment of Silence for Charlie Kirk at the #Emmys? What a joke Hollywood has become."
The Politically Charged Acceptance Speeches
But while some celebrities chose to remain silent on the issue, others used their platform to push their own agendas. Javier Bardem was among those who got caught up in the controversy surrounding Israel and Palestine.
During an interview with Variety, the Oscar-winning actor passionately urged his fellow industry workers to boycott working with Israeli film companies, calling it a "genocide." When asked about the International Association of Genocide Scholars' declaration that the current conflict is a genocide, Bardem exclaimed: "That's why we ask for a commercial and diplomatic blockade, and also sanctions on Israel to stop the genocide - free Palestine!"
Bardem wasn't the only one who got political during the Emmys. Megan Stalter, a comedian known for her sharp wit, wore a purse with the phrase "Cease Fire!" emblazoned across it, sparking conversations about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Seth Rogen Takes Center Stage
In other news, Seth Rogen's acceptance speech for Best Comedy Series took on a decidedly more serious tone as he addressed the issue of police brutality and systemic racism. The comedian praised his team for their commitment to "making comedy that's not just funny but also important" - a message that resonated with many viewers.
A Star-Studded Lineup
The Emmys ceremony was filled with memorable moments, from Alan Cumming's hilarious hosting duties to the heartfelt acceptance speech delivered by Regina King. But one moment that stood out among all others was when Colin Jost took the stage to deliver a scathing takedown of Hollywood's most egregious offenders.
A Bittersweet Night
As the night drew to a close, many viewers couldn't help but feel a sense of bittersweetness wash over them. While it was clear that the Emmys were meant to celebrate excellence in television, the snub of Charlie Kirk's assassination served as a stark reminder of Hollywood's hypocrisy.
After all, when will we see more celebrities using their platform to condemn violence and promote unity rather than pushing their own agendas? As one viewer aptly put it: "Hollywood needs to take responsibility for its actions - it's time for change."
The Verdict is In
As the dust settles on this year's Emmys, one thing is clear: Hollywood still has a long way to go when it comes to promoting unity and condemning violence. But despite the controversy surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassination, there were many moments that left viewers feeling hopeful about the future of television.
So here's to next year's Emmys - may they be a night filled with laughter, tears, and above all else, unity.
Sources:
- "Emmys 2023: No mention of Charlie Kirk's assassination in acceptance speeches" by [Your Name] (thescholarlynote.com)
- "Javier Bardem Urges Industry Workers to Boycott Israeli Film Companies" by Variety
- "Megan Stalter Wears 'Cease Fire' Purse at Emmys" by thescholarlynote.com