Hollywood Fights Back: Industry Giants Reignite Historic Battle Against Censorship

A powerful coalition of Hollywood figures has reformed the Committee for the First Amendment. The group was relaunched this month by Jane Fonda. It aims to combat a rising tide of government and corporate censorship.

This revival comes amid high-profile incidents like the temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Over 500 artists, including Viola Davis and Billie Eilish, have joined the cause. The move echoes a similar stand taken during the McCarthy era.

A Legacy Forged in the Red Scare

The original Committee for the First Amendment was founded in September 1947. It was created by luminaries like director John Huston and actress Myrna Loy. Their mission was to support the “Hollywood Ten” against congressional investigations.

The group organized the “Hollywood Fights Back” radio broadcast on October 27, 1947. According to historical accounts from The Hollywood Reporter, stars like Humphrey Bogart and Frank Sinatra participated. Despite initial momentum, the committee collapsed as blacklisting intensified.

Modern Threats Spark a Powerful Resurgence

The new committee argues that modern threats to free speech are equally dangerous. Jane Fonda states the entertainment industry has a special duty to lead this charge. She believes every act of censorship paves the way for the next.

This revived movement has quickly gained significant traction. Thousands more artists have requested to join since its initial launch. The group is already organizing virtual meetings and public protests to amplify its message.

The relaunch of the Committee for the First Amendment marks a pivotal moment for creative liberty. This unified Hollywood front signals a firm stance against all forms of censorship. The industry is once again mobilizing to protect its fundamental right to free expression.

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What is the Committee for the First Amendment?

The Committee for the First Amendment is a group originally formed in 1947 to fight political blacklisting in Hollywood. It was recently revived by Jane Fonda and hundreds of artists to combat modern censorship threats.

Why was the committee originally disbanded?

The original committee lost momentum as the Hollywood blacklist grew. Key members, fearing for their careers, publicly distanced themselves from the group’s activism.

What sparked the committee’s revival?

The revival was planned before the *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* suspension. However, that incident underscored the perceived need for a collective stand against censorship.

Who is involved in the new committee?

Founding members include Jane Fonda, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ben Stiller, and Viola Davis. Thousands of other artists have also expressed support for the relaunched group.

What are the committee’s main goals?

The committee aims to organize the entertainment industry against censorship. It plans to use collective action and public protests to defend free expression.

Trusted Sources

The Hollywood Reporter