Stars like Billie Eilish, Gracie Abrams, John Legend, Barbra Streisand, Janelle Monáe, and more than 600 artists joined Jane Fonda in relaunching the Committee for the First Amendment, a group originally founded in 1947 by Fonda’s father, Henry Fonda, along with icons like Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra. The initiative was initially launched to push back against censorship during the McCarthy era. Fast forward to October 1st, 2025, and it has the same mission in today’s Trump administration.
The relaunch statement warns that the federal government is once again targeting critics in the media, academia, and the entertainment industry. Members condemned efforts to silence voices through intimidation and censorship, expressing that defending free speech is not about politics but about protecting fundamental rights.
“The federal government is once again engaged in a coordinated campaign to silence critics in the government, the media, the judiciary, academia, and the entertainment industry,” the statement said. “We refuse to stand by and let that happen.”
The movement comes after the discomfort sparked y the temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! in September. The late-night show was pulled under threat of retaliation after Kimmel criticized political figures. Following protests from SAG-AFTRA, the ACLU, and several entertainers, the show returned after five days. Now, with artists from multiple generations united, the industry is sending a message that’s all about defending freedom of speech.