From the Independent in London:
Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem are reportedly facing a serious backlash from top Hollywood executives following their support for Gaza, which saw the couple sign an open letter condemning the actions of Israel as tantamount to “genocide”.
The couple were among 100 film professionals to sign the open Spanish letter calling on the European Union to end Israel’s military operation in Gaza, along with director Pedro Almodovar in July.
But their actions have sparked anger in top Hollywood executives, which has reportedly called their careers in to question. One top exec told the Hollywood Reporter that he was “furious at Javier and Penelope” and queried whether he would want to work with the couple again…
One producer who has previously worked with Ms Cruz, told the magazine that he privately vowed never to work with the actress again.
“I don’t know why more prominent Hollywood people don’t speak out about what’s going on there,” [Howard] Stern said on his radio show July 28. “They’re all afraid.” Hollywood political donor Haim Saban, one of the industry’s biggest Israel supporters, echoed those sentiments. “I don’t understand this myself,” Saban told the Jewish Journal on Aug. 1. “But starting today, I will be working the phones to enlist the vocal support of people who I know have an interest in supporting our staunchest ally in the region — which also happens to be the only democracy in the region.”
Working the phones, he is. Why would anyone answer Haim Saban’s phone call? Yes, why.
Years ago John Mearsheimer said to me, “You have to understand, this is mortal combat.” The more time passes, the more I agree with the professor and West Point grad.