Javier Bardem speaks out on why he wore a keffiyeh to the Emmys

ACTOR JAVIER BARDEM wore a keffiyeh to last night’s Emmys and said he “can’t work with somebody that justifies or supports the genocide”.

The keffiyeh, a headdress worn in the Middle-East, is worn by many as a symbol of support for Palestine.

Others, such as Irish actor Ruth Negga and White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wall wore red Artists4Ceasefire pins.

Bardem, who recently starred in Dune and the F1 movie, was one of thousands of film industry professionals who last week signed the Film Workers for Palestine pledge, vowing not to work with Israeli film institutions.

Paramount condemned the boycott against the Israeli film and television industry and in a statement said: “Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace”.

Speaking to Variety on the red carpet at the Emmys last night, Bardem referenced the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS).

It’s a 500-member body of academics, historians, lawyers and human rights specialists, which voted overwhelmingly to formally declare that Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza constitute genocide.

“Here I am today, denouncing the genocide in Gaza,” said Bardem.

“The IAGS has declared it is a genocide and that it why we have asked for a commercial and diplomatic blockade, and also sanctions on Israel, to stop the genocide: Free Palestine.”

He also referenced Paramount’s statement and said that Film Workers for Palestine “do not target any individuals based on identity”.

Advertisement

“The targets are film companies and institutions that are complicit and whitewashing or justifying the genocide.

“We stand with those who are helping and being supportive of the oppressed people.”

Bardem added that he “cannot work with somebody that justifies or supports the genocide”.

“We shouldn’t be able to do that in this industry and in any other industry today,” added Bardem, who noted that the final stage of the Vuelta a Espana in Madrid was abandoned due to pro-Palestine protesters.

There have been protests against the Israel-Premier Tech team throughout this year’s Vuelta, forcing some stages to be shortened.

“We can’t allow the team of Israel being in this tour so that it’s whitewashed,” said Bardem.

“The world has changed, and what we are witnessing is a genocide, in 4k and live on a daily basis, this has to stop.”

When asked how he explains the scenes in Gaza to his children, Bardem said he does it by “telling them openly what is going on”.

“By telling them that, of course, what Hamas did on October 7 is horrible, there’s no excuse or justification for that.

“But let me tell you, I have serious doubts that in Netanyahu’s agenda was ever the possibility or the will to rescue any hostages.

“And the family of those hostages that are suffering so much are everyday on the streets, reminding him of that.”

He added that he feels that the “world is waking up finally after so many deaths and children being murdered”.

Meanwhile, when asked if it is difficult to “talk about something so serious and then go into this (the Emmy Awards), Bardem replied: “It’s not hard; for me, it’s a platform to take advantage of to talk about what is really meaningful for me.”

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More Support The Journal