Over 100 global artists back Francesca Albanese amid criticism over Gaza remarks
More than 100 well-known figures from the arts and entertainment world have signed an open letter backing UN human rights expert Francesca Albanese, who is facing calls to resign over her comments on the war in Gaza.
The letter, organised by the group Artists for Palestine and reported by Agence France-Presse(AFP), confirmed the support of more than 100 cultural figures. Among them are actors Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem, Nobel Prize-winning writer Annie Ernaux, and British musician Annie Lennox.
In the letter, the signatories said: “We offer our full support to Francesca Albanese, a defender of human rights and therefore also of the Palestinian people’s right to exist.”
The statement added: “There are infinitely more of us in every corner of the Earth who want force no longer to be the law. Who know what the word ‘law’ truly means.”
Other public figures who expressed their support include actresses Rosa Salazar and Asia Argento, Oscar-nominated directors Yorgos Lanthimos and Kaouther Ben Hania, Latin music star Residente, and photographer Nan Goldin.
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