Florence Pugh has called on people to pressure governments to act over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, delivering an emotional speech during the Together for Palestine fundraising concert in London, writes Variety.
The Midsommar and Thunderbolts star took to the stage at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on Wednesday, where she was introduced by actor Riz Ahmed before addressing the audience with a brief but powerful message.
“I’m gonna keep it short and simple. It has been such a special evening to be a part of it, to witness it. Thank you for showing up,” Pugh said.
The actress went on to stress the importance of speaking out against suffering.
“Silence in the face of such suffering is not neutrality. It is complicity,” she told the crowd.
Calling for greater compassion and action, Pugh added, “Empathy should not be this hard and it should have never been this hard.
I’m just going to leave that with you. Enjoy the rest of your evening, pressure on the governments and well done for being here.”
The Together for Palestine concert featured a star-studded line-up, including Gorillaz, King Krule, Brian Eno, PinkPantheress, Cat Burns, Bastille, James Blake and Sampha, among others, with proceeds supporting humanitarian relief efforts for Palestinians.
Singer PinkPantheress also used her performance to encourage people to speak out in support of Palestine.
“We have a responsibility to use our platforms. Neutrality or silence shouldn’t be an option. Give Palestine your voice. And when your voice goes hoarse, hang your flags, wear your keffiyeh. Show them we are here,” she said.
Pugh has previously spoken publicly about the war in Gaza.
Earlier this year, she joined a group of public figures in signing an open letter addressed to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging the British government to end what the letter described as its “complicity in the horrors in Gaza.”
The petition called for immediate action, stating that history would judge the decisions made during the conflict and urging political leaders to prioritise the protection of civilians.
Pugh’s latest remarks add to a growing number of voices from the entertainment industry calling for increased humanitarian action and political intervention as the conflict in Gaza continues.
