Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron has spoken out strongly against recent changes to US immigration policies and reductions in foreign aid, saying they are having a devastating impact on families around the world.
Speaking at the fifth annual Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) Block Party in Los Angeles, Theron said, “The world feels like it’s on fire – because it is.”
She expressed deep concern over the direction global and US policies are heading, stating that society is regressing rapidly.
“Families, not criminals, are being torn apart by immigration policy. Women’s rights are being stripped away. Queer and trans people are being erased. Gender-based violence is rising. These aren’t just policy issues – they’re personal,” she said.
Though she did not directly name former President Donald Trump, Theron condemned the consequences of reduced foreign aid, particularly its effect on health programs in her home country, South Africa.
“Vital HIV and AIDS programs have been brought to a standstill,” she said. “This isn’t just harmful – it’s deadly. People are already dying and more lives are at risk. It’s heartbreaking to witness this avoidable suffering.”
Theron also threw a sarcastic jab at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s extravagant wedding in Venice, saying, “We might be the only people who didn’t get an invite. But that’s okay – they suck, and we’re cool.”
Despite the grim outlook, Theron emphasized the importance of resistance and activism. “There’s still hope. We have the power to resist, to organize, to protest, to vote and to care for one another. We must reject the idea that this is normal,” she urged.
Founded 18 years ago, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project supports young people in South Africa and has impacted more than 4.5 million youth. To date, it has provided $15 million in funding to grassroots organizations.