Pedro Pascal Speech at Cannes Film Festival Strongly Condemns Political Attacks Against Artists
World-renowned Chilean and American actor Pedro Pascal statement at Cannes Film Festival condemned Donald Trump’s attacks against artists. The Hollywood actor who is best known for his performances in popular series such as Game of Thrones and The Last of Us said, “Shame on those who try to intimidate you. And fight them. Don’t let them win.” Pedro Pascal’s statement comes after US President Trump’s social media attacks against artists like Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift.
Pascal urged artists to “keep telling your stories, raise your voices and keep fighting for it.” His message is inspiring not just for artists in Hollywood but all over the world.
Trump’s Attack on artists: What is the whole matter?
Recently, Donald Trump attacked two big artists—Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift—on his social media platform ‘Truth Social’. He called Springsteen “a pushy, obnoxious idiot” because he criticized Trump’s policies. Similarly, he also took a dig at Taylor Swift, claiming that her popularity has decreased since she voiced her opinion against him.
These comments come at a time when tensions are rising between artists and political leaders in the United States. Pascal responded to the issue by saying that “We must stand strong against those who try to suppress creativity.”
“I am an immigrant”: Pedro Pascal’s personal struggle
Pedro Pascal in his speech at Cannes Film festival shared his personal experience and revealed that he himself is an immigrant. He further said that his parents came to the US fleeing the regime of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. He said, “I was nine months old when we fled Chile. We got asylum in Denmark and then got a chance to settle in the US. If that hadn’t happened, I don’t know what would have happened to us.”
So, Pascal always stands with those who need protection and freedom. He said, “I want people to be safe and stand on the right side of history.”
Ari Aster’s new film ‘Eddington’ and political message
Pascal’s comments came during the promotion of his upcoming new film ‘Eddington‘, which is directed by Ari Aster, director of psychological horror films like ‘Midsommar’ and ‘Hereditary’. In this film, Pascal plays the mayor of a small town in New Mexico, while Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone and Austin Butler also play lead roles.
The plot of the film is based on the events during the COVID-19 lockdown and the Black Lives Matter movement. In this, Pascal’s character is of a mayor who supports the restrictions, while Phoenix’s character is an anti-lockdown sheriff.
When Aster was asked if he fears that the political message of the film could be used against artists, he said, “To be honest, I always feel scared. But that’s the truth.”
Art and politics: Why is it important to raise your voice?
These comments by Pedro Pascal and Ari Aster raise a big question—should artists speak on political issues? Some people believe that artists should focus only on entertainment, while others say that art and politics cannot be separated.
1. Art is a mirror of society
Art has always reflected the truth of society. Be it music, cinema or literature, artists expose the good and bad of society. When leaders like Trump attack artists, they actually attack freedom of expression.
2. An attempt to create an atmosphere of fear
The purpose of Trump’s comments is not just to belittle artists, but to create an atmosphere of fear so that no one criticizes them. Pascal has talked about breaking this fear.
3. History is witness
There are many examples in history when dictators tried to suppress artists, writers and intellectuals. Hitler banned artists in the name of “degenerate art”, Stalin censored writers. Even today, artists are intimidated in many countries.
“Fight and don’t give up”: Pedro Pascal’s message
Pascal’s message is clear—”If you are being intimidated, it means your voice matters.” He urged artists to:
Keep telling your stories
Don’t give in to political pressures
Support those who are vulnerable
“I will always stand by those who need protection,” he said.
Keep Fighting for Artistic freedom
Pedro Pascal Cannes 2025 statement is a message not just for artists in Hollywood, but for artists all over the world. Artistic freedom is an important part of any democracy, and we have to come together to protect it.
