Celebrities Who've Been Arrested While Protesting
While fame often keeps stars in the spotlight, some have used that visibility to draw attention to causes they believe in, even if it meant being arrested. From climate activism to reproductive rights, these moments show a different side of celebrity public life. Jane Fonda was arrested in 2019 while protesting for climate change on the steps of the United States Capitol. At the time, the then 81-year-old had already announced her plan to participate in weekly demonstrations she jokingly called “Fire Drill Friday.” She said she intended to be arrested repeatedly to bring attention to the issue, using her public profile to amplify the message. Her activism stretches back decades, having been a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War in the 1970s, regularly speaking out at rallies and public events. She also supported groups like the Black Panther Party and was known for using her platform to challenge government policy. George Clooney was arrested in 2012 outside the Sudanese embassy in Washington, DC, during a protest against humanitarian conditions in Sudan. He was joined by his father, Nick Clooney, as demonstrators called for aid to reach civilians affected by government actions. The protest aimed to highlight what organizers described as a growing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. Busy Philipps and Alysia Reiner were arrested in 2022 after blocking traffic outside the United States Supreme Court. The demonstration followed the overturning of Roe v Wade, which had established constitutional protections for abortion rights. Both actresses took part in the protest alongside activists, calling for equality and access to reproductive healthcare.
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The move significantly curtails access to mifepristone nationwide, particularly in states that ban abortion.
