The powerhouse couple is partnering with the Southern Poverty Law Center to combat hate groups in America.
- Aug 22, 2017
AceShowbiz - George Clooney and his wife Amal are partnering with the Southern Poverty Law Center to combat hate groups in America in the wake of the deadly violence at a white nationalist gathering in Charlottesville, Virginia. The couple donates a $1 million grant through the Clooney Foundation for Justice.
"Amal and I wanted to add our voice (and financial assistance) to the ongoing fight for equality," the "Tomorrowland" actor said in a statement, "There are no two sides to bigotry and hate."
George and Amal added, "We are proud to support the Southern Poverty Law Center in its efforts to prevent violent extremism in the United States. What happened in Charlottesville, and what is happening in communities across our country, demands our collective engagement to stand up to hate."
SPLC President Richard Cohen said, "Like George and Amal Clooney, we were shocked by the size, ugliness, and ferocity of the white supremacist gathering in Charlottesville. 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."
One person was killed and many others injured while protesting a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville on August 12. President Trump later said that 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 was co-founded by the George and Amal in 2016 to advance justice in courtrooms, classrooms and communities around the world. The SPLC, meanwhile, is a non-profit organization which monitors the activities of domestic hate groups and other extremists, currently tracking more than 1,600 extremist groups operating across the country. It has used litigation to win court judgments against 10 major white supremacist organizations and 50 individuals who led them or participated in violent acts.
