Clooney Joins Forces with Civil Rights Group: “No Two Sides to Bigotry and Hate”

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is partnering with the Clooney Foundation for Justice to combat hate in the wake of the deadly violence at a white nationalist gathering in Charlottesville, Virginia.

“Amal and I wanted to add our voice (and financial assistance) to the ongoing fight for equality,” George Clooney said. “There are no two sides to bigotry and hate.”

George and Amal Clooney on Tuesday gave the SPLC  a $1 million grant from the Clooney Foundation for Justice. 

One person was killed and many others injured while protesting a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville on Aug. 12. Shortly thereafter, President Trump said there were many sides to what happened at the event and that there were good people on both sides. His comments were almost universally condemned. 

The Clooney Foundation for Justice, co-founded by George and Amal, was established in 2016 to advance justice in communities around the world. 

“We are proud to support the Southern Poverty Law Center in its efforts to prevent violent extremism in the United States,” the husband and wife said in a statement. “What happened in Charlottesville, and what is happening in communities across our country, demands our collective engagement to stand up to hate.”

“Like George and Amal Clooney, we were shocked by the size, ugliness, and ferocity of the white supremacist gathering in Charlottesville,” said SPLC President Richard Cohen in a statement. “It was a reflection of just how much Trump’s incendiary campaign and presidency have energized the radical right. We are deeply grateful to the Clooney Foundation for standing with us at this critical moment in our country’s fight against hate.” 

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