George and Amal Clooney announced a major donation to fight hate groups and violent extremism in the United States after the unrest in Charlottesville, Virginia. Through the Clooney Foundation for Justice, the couple pledged $1 million to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). The organisation focuses on civil rights work and monitors extremist movements.
The violent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville influenced their decision. During the rally, extremists killed counter-protester Heather Heyer. George Clooney explained that he and Amal wanted to support the fight against discrimination and intolerance. He stressed that society should never accept or justify hatred and bigotry.
In a joint statement, the couple said they proudly supported the SPLC in opposing extremism and promoting equality. They also explained that the events in Charlottesville showed why communities must take action against hate.
Richard Cohen, the SPLC president at the time, thanked the Clooneys for their contribution. He stated that extremist groups had become more active in recent years. He also described the Charlottesville rally as a disturbing sign of growing radicalisation in the country. In addition, Cohen argued that divisive political rhetoric encouraged far-right movements.
The donation attracted attention because Donald Trump’s administration had reportedly reduced federal support for programmes that fought right-wing extremism. Critics also attacked Trump for his response to the violence after he suggested that blame existed on “both sides”.
George and Amal Clooney founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice in 2016. The organisation works to protect human rights and promote justice around the world. Around the same time, the foundation pledged $3.25 million to educate about 3,000 Syrian refugee children in Lebanon. George Clooney explained that they wanted to stop an entire generation of children from losing educational opportunities because of war and displacement.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/aug/22/george-and-amal-clooney-donation-to-fight-hate-groups
