Hollywood celebrities took to social media over the weekend to express their outrage over the Muslim ban imposed by US president Donald Trump on January 27.
His executive order imposed a 120-day ban on all refugees and indefinitely banned refugees from Syria from entering the United States.
In addition, it suspends the right of citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries – Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen – to enter the US.
The following day, there were chaotic scenes at several of US airports as hundreds of travellers from these countries – with valid visas or green cards, or travel authorisation issued before the ban was imposed – were detained upon arrival in the US. Others were prevented from even boarding flights to the US.
Protesters quickly gathered at some airports, including JFK in New York and LAX in Los Angeles to protest the detentions. Some politicians worked to get the detained travellers released.
Eventually, under pressure from the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups who filed a lawsuit challenging the detentions, a federal judge ordered a stay on deportations of people from the affected countries who have valid visas or green cards. It only partly blocks Trump’s order, and does not rule on its constitutionality, but is being seen by many as a significant blow to the new administration.
While this was unfolding, many celebrities responded to the outrage online by offering their support and calling for solidarity with refugees and immigrants, while others shared their personal stories of the immigrant experience.
Reality star Kim Kardashian West simply tweeted "statistics" with an image:
Iranian actress Taraneh Alidoosti said she would boycott the Academy Awards in protest:
Actor Zach Braff called for unity and help to support the work of the ACLU by asking his followers to donate:
Actor Seth Rogan offering an alternative North American destination for refugees:
Actress Ellen Page posted photos and video from a protest at Los Angeles International Airport:
Actor Adam Scott retweeted a video showing lawyers rushing to help those detained at JFK Airport in New York, describing the lawyers "heroes":
Actress Alyssa Milano shared a photo with her best friend Alaa Mohammed Khalad, brother of DJ Khaled, whose parents were Palestinian refugees.
Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai shared her thoughts:
Malala Yousafzai's statement on President Trump's latest executive order on refugees: "I am heartbroken that today...
Posted by Malala Fund on Friday, January 27, 2017
Other celebs, including singer Miley Cyrus, actresses Kerry Washington and Sandra Oh, director Michael Moore, also showed solidarity. See their tweets below:
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