reddit/@FauxmoiEthan Hawke receives criticism because a journalist called his answer about Gaza “patronizing.” The journalist defended their line of questioning as a moral duty.
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The Berlin International Film Festival served as the location for the interview exchange. When asked about the silencing of artists and support for Palestinians, Hawke reportedly told the journalist, “I feel like there’s a slight agenda to your question.”
The journalist published his answer to Hawke’s statement through internet platforms. “Ethan saying I had an agenda was a bit patronising,” they stated. “I have a moral duty as a journalist and human being to ask about the silencing of artists and the lack of support for Palestinians.”
The public responded to the actor through online channels which quickly showed negative opinions. Many commenters sided with the journalist, arguing that asking about an ongoing conflict is not having an agenda but basic humanity. “Not wanting a genocide to continue is an agenda????” one highly-upvoted comment read.
People told others to show their beliefs about political matters after Hawke showed his political opinions through the previous twelve months. “I’m with the journalist on this one,” wrote one user. “Ethan has had multiple opportunities to take a clear position and hasn’t. His red carpet political statements have become so ambiguous that they lose all value.
People believe that neutral positions should require active work based on the discussion. “Not taking a position IS taking a position,” argued another commenter, a viewpoint that received significant agreement.
The public response to the incident created a backlash which attacked Hawke’s complete public persona. Several comments labeled the actor as pretentious or referenced past personal controversies. “Did we all collectively forget that Ethan Hawke kind of sucks?” one popular thread began.
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Some observers noted the challenging position for celebrities at major festivals like Berlinale, which has itself faced criticism over its stance on Palestine. They suggested actors often feel pressured to comment on complex issues. Hawke’s upcoming project, a new FX series, has been a topic of discussion. The show, titled “The Lowdown,” was recently featured in a new trailer. He also shared a behind-the-scenes look at the series with his co-star.
