Sean Penn has branded the appointment of Sylvester Stallone, Jon Voight, and Mel Gibson as Hollywood ambassadors a “clown show”.
Sean Penn, the acclaimed two-time Oscar winner, did not hold back when voicing his criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to appoint Hollywood stars Sylvester Stallone, Jon Voight, and Mel Gibson as ambassadors for the industry.
Expressing his dissatisfaction, Penn dismissed the move as nothing more than a “clown show.”
At 64 years old, the actor also directed his frustration toward the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for what he viewed as a lack of courage.
He condemned the organizers of the 2022 Academy Awards in Los Angeles for refusing to extend an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a move Penn believed would have been significant given the geopolitical climate at the time.
When addressing Trump’s selection of Stallone, Voight, and Gibson for their ambassadorial roles, Penn remained unimpressed. Speaking at the Oxford Union last week, he stated, “Look, clown shows can do great damage, but I’m not very interested in them.”
Penn also voiced strong criticism of the Academy, which is preparing to host this year’s Oscars ceremony next Sunday.
Calling out the Academy’s lack of resolve, Penn stated, “What they don’t do is have any backbone at all.”
He further revealed that when he reached out with an offer from President Zelensky to address the Academy, he made it clear that the Ukrainian leader’s speech would not involve any discussion about President Biden.
“He’s a filmmaker and he wanted to thank everyone for their support at that time and talk about the big medicine that film can be and the value of film.” Said Penn
