Jane Fonda Revives Legendary McCarthy-Era Free Speech Coalition
In a bold move echoing Hollywood’s past, 87-year-old icon Jane Fonda has spearheaded the revival of the Committee for the First Amendment—a historic free-expression group originally founded in 1947 by her father, Henry Fonda, and fellow stars like Humphrey Bogart, Judy Garland, and Frank Sinatra.
The renewed committee arrives amid growing concerns over government censorship and political repression, with over 800 entertainment industry figures—including Spike Lee, Billie Eilish, and Pedro Pascal—signing on to defend constitutional rights.
Why This Matters Now
“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 group declared in a powerful joint statement.
While the statement stopped short of naming President Trump or his administration directly, the White House responded swiftly, with spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissing Fonda’s stance as rooted in “bad opinions.”
From 1947 to 2025: A Legacy Reborn
The original Committee for the First Amendment formed in response to the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), which blacklisted hundreds in Hollywood over alleged Communist ties. In a dramatic show of solidarity, 25 stars—including Bogart and director John Huston—flew to Washington to protest.
Now, Fonda is channeling that same spirit, calling not for an organization but “a movement” rooted in “creative, nonviolent noncooperation.” She cited recent actions like mass Disney+ cancellations following Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension as examples of effective protest.
Key Figures in the Movement
| Era | Notable Members | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| 1947 | Henry Fonda, Judy Garland, Humphrey Bogart, Lucille Ball, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra | Flew to D.C.; produced nationwide radio broadcast |
| 2025 | Jane Fonda, Spike Lee, Billie Eilish, Pedro Pascal | Launched digital campaign; revived radio program; mobilized public action |
Iconic Quote from the Original Radio Broadcast
“It’s one thing if someone says we’re not good actors. That hurts. But we can take that. It’s something again to say we’re not good Americans. We resent that!”
— Judy Garland, 1947
The full 1947 radio program has been reposted online by the new committee as both a tribute and a rallying cry.
What’s Next for the Movement?
- Promotion of “creative, nonviolent noncooperation” tactics
- Amplification of free speech threats across industries
- Grassroots mobilization via social media and digital platforms
“We’re artists, we’re creatives,” Fonda emphasized. “Freedom of expression is essential to what we do.”
Infographic: Timeline of the Committee for the First Amendment
- October 1947: Original committee formed in response to HUAC hearings
- 1947–1950s: Hollywood blacklist silences hundreds; committee’s influence wanes
- October 2025: Jane Fonda relaunches the committee with 800+ signatories
- Future: Movement aims to expand beyond entertainment into broader civil liberties advocacy
