Additional Coverage:
- Barbra Streisand Sends Blunt Message to Jane Fonda (parade.com)
Barbra Streisand Lends Voice to Jane Fonda’s Free Speech Initiative
Legendary entertainer Barbra Streisand has publicly thrown her support behind longtime friend and fellow activist Jane Fonda, as Fonda spearheads the re-launch of the Committee for the First Amendment. The move signals Hollywood’s renewed commitment to defending freedom of expression amidst what some describe as a challenging political climate.
Streisand conveyed her solidarity via a personal Instagram post, directly addressing Fonda’s latest efforts to rally the creative community. “We are indeed in deep trouble under Trump’s regime,” Streisand wrote, emphasizing the importance of collective voices.
“The entertainment community has always had strong and powerful artists standing up for democracy and freedom of speech. Our voices are always stronger together.”
She expressed a sense of deja vu, noting the “sad” reality of “reliving the 1950s” in 2025 and appreciating Fonda’s “continued activism and voice in these scary times.”
The Committee for the First Amendment, originally formed during the McCarthy era to combat blacklisting and silencing of artists, academics, and politicians, has been resurrected to confront what its members call a “modern wave of government repression.” The group’s statement warns that “the federal government is once again engaged in a coordinated campaign to silence critics in the government, the media, the judiciary, academia, and the entertainment industry.”
The committee’s declaration urges broad solidarity across all professions and political backgrounds, stating, “We know there is power in solidarity and strength in numbers. We will stand together — fiercely united — to defend free speech and expression from this assault.
This is not a partisan issue.” Fonda, a prominent activist for decades, has successfully rallied hundreds of high-profile stars to the cause, with Streisand’s personal endorsement underscoring the gravity with which Hollywood is approaching this moment.
Streisand’s public message garnered a strong response from fans. Many praised her courage and support for Fonda, with comments like, “Love you and Ms Fonda—your voices are resonant, respected and more important than ever!”
and “Thank you 🙏🏻 Love you and Jane!” However, not all feedback was positive.
Some commenters accused Streisand of being “out of touch” or overly negative, while one individual challenged her directly: “With deep respect, what is it like to have everything you ever wanted and still be dissatisfied! Trump speaks for us middle class people.”
This remark quickly sparked debate among other followers.
The mixed public reaction highlights the polarizing nature of celebrity political statements. Yet, for Streisand and Fonda, silence has historically not been an option.
Both women matured during the original Committee for the First Amendment’s era and have consistently leveraged their platforms for causes they champion. As the entertainment industry once more grapples with issues of censorship and free expression, Streisand’s note serves as both a personal show of solidarity and a clear public declaration: the influential voices of Hollywood’s enduring icons are poised to remain vocal.
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- Barbra Streisand Sends Blunt Message to Jane Fonda (parade.com)