Jane Fonda to host First Amendment celebration opposite Trump’s UFC Freedom 250 event
Actor and activist Jane Fonda is hosting a “Rise Up, Sing Out” concert in New York City this Sunday to advocate for free speech and democracy. The event, organized by her advocacy group, the Committee for the First Amendment, features performances by Julia Roberts, Lily Gladstone, Bette Midler, Patti Smith, and Rufus Wainwright. Fonda stated the concert serves as a response to what she describes as attacks on foundational democratic principles during the Trump administration.
Did You Know? The Committee for the First Amendment was originally established in 1947 by Jane Fonda’s father, Henry Fonda, to support Hollywood figures facing scrutiny from the House Un-American Activities Committee.
Concert Significance and Advocacy Goals
The concert takes place at The Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday. Fonda, 88, characterized the current political climate as a “documentary moment,” stating she intends to remain at the forefront of efforts to defend free speech. The event is set to be livestreamed, providing a platform for artists to perform and speak on democratic values.
Opposition to Corporate Mergers
Beyond the concert, Fonda has publicly urged federal and state regulators to block the proposed $110 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery. While acknowledging a personal rapport with Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, Fonda expressed concern regarding concessions made to the Federal Communications Commission. She argued that the deal risks the “lifeblood of creativity” to satisfy political interests.
Expert Insight: The stakes for the creative class in the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger remain high. While CEO David Ellison contends that the combined entity will increase investment in quality content—targeting 30 movies annually—critics like Fonda argue that such consolidation threatens the diversity and independence of creative expression.
Environmental and Political Stance
Fonda continues to link her long-standing climate activism with her criticism of the current administration. She recently produced a documentary titled “Gaslit,” which highlights the environmental impacts of oil and gas extraction in Texas and Louisiana. Fonda explicitly blames the Trump administration for what she identifies as the weakening of environmental regulations.
What May Happen Next
As the “Rise Up, Sing Out” concert proceeds, the impact of Fonda’s advocacy on the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger remains uncertain. Regulators may face continued public pressure from activists regarding the deal’s implications for creative diversity. Additionally, Fonda’s documentary, “Gaslit,” is likely to provide a focal point for ongoing discussions surrounding the environmental consequences of current energy policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is performing at the concert?
The concert features Julia Roberts, Lily Gladstone, Bette Midler, Patti Smith, and Rufus Wainwright.
Why is Jane Fonda opposing the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger?
Fonda is concerned about concessions made to the Federal Communications Commission to secure the deal, arguing that the merger could negatively impact the diversity and creative freedom of the entertainment industry.
What is the purpose of the Committee for the First Amendment?
The group was revived by Fonda to address a perceived rise in authoritarian practices and to advocate for the protection of free speech, mirroring the mission of the original committee founded by her father in 1947.
How do you think high-profile advocacy efforts influence federal regulatory decisions regarding corporate mergers?