The American actor Michael Douglas, known for his career spanning over five decades in the film industry, issued a strong critique of his country's government and expressed feeling ashamed.
During his participation in the Taormina Film Festival, held on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, Douglas did not hold back in expressing his concerns about the political and military direction of the United States.
“I am ashamed of my country and I apologize.”
Douglas's emphatic statement emerged during a masterclass in front of the audience at the event, in response to a question about the current wars and the involvement of the United States in them.
"I understand that a significant part of the world's chaos comes from my country. I am ashamed of my country and I apologize," he said.
"I apologize and feel ashamed in front of my friends, I apologize to my neighbors in Canada and Mexico, but also to the countries of the European Union and NATO," the actor added.
This straightforward and self-critical statement emerged in a context of growing global discontent regarding Washington's role on the geopolitical stage, and it has resonated widely due to the prestige and track record of the speaker.
Criticism of Trump's leadership and foreign policy
Although he did not directly mention President Donald Trump in his statements, nor his immigration policies, Douglas made it clear that he considers him a central figure in international destabilization.
"This is the worst period I remember in my life", the actor, born in 1944, said at the end of World War II.
With two Oscars, four Golden Globes, a BAFTA, and an Emmy to his name, the star of Wall Street, Fatal Attraction, and Basic Instinct did not hesitate to refer to the decline of American leadership under the Trump administration, which he holds responsible for the "global chaos."
Concerns about military spending
In addition to political criticism, Michael Douglas expressed his concern about the widespread increase in defense spending.
"I do not like to see how military budgets are increasing everywhere, especially in my country, which insists on asking others to increase theirs," he noted.
This reference to Washington's demands on its NATO allies takes on particular significance in the current climate of international tension, where rearmament and militarization are once again at the center of strategic debates.
Douglas took advantage of the European context of the event to deliver a broader message, transcending cinema to address the paradox of technological advancement in a world still marked by violence.
"I find it hard to understand, with all the artificial intelligence we have today, how we can still have so many wars and conflicts. It’s ridiculous.", he stated.
His words were spoken just before receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Taormina Festival, in the ancient Greek theater of the city.
Michael Douglas's intervention has resonated strongly on an international level, both for the content of his words and for the timing and location in which they were delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions about Michael Douglas's Statements at the Taormina Film Festival
Why does Michael Douglas feel ashamed of the United States?
Michael Douglas expressed his embarrassment about the political and military direction of the United States, highlighting his concern about the country's role in global chaos and its involvement in armed conflicts. During the Taormina Film Festival, Douglas apologized to the audience for his country's actions, mentioning its neighbors and international allies such as Canada, Mexico, and the European Union.
How does Michael Douglas criticize Donald Trump?
Michael Douglas indirectly criticized Donald Trump, holding his administration responsible for the decline in American leadership and international destabilization. While he did not mention Trump directly, his statements reflect strong dissatisfaction with his political management and the increase in military spending during his tenure.
What does Michael Douglas think about the military spending of the United States?
Michael Douglas expressed his concern about the increase in military spending in the United States, noting that his country asks others to raise their defense budgets while doing the same itself. These statements are particularly relevant in the context of international tension and the rearmament of NATO allied nations.
What impact have Michael Douglas's statements had?
Michael Douglas' statements have resonated internationally, due to his prestige as an actor and the critical nature of his message. His intervention at the Taormina Film Festival has generated a strong response in public opinion, highlighting his self-criticism regarding the role of the United States in the world.
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