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Joaquin Phoenix says he ‘doesn’t pay attention to any pushback’ he may get as a result of his animal rights activism.
The vegan actor, who has been picking up major awards for his highly acclaimed performance in Joker, made the comments during an exclusive interview with Plant Based News.
The interview took place during an Earthlings Experience action in central London. During the action, activists wearing masks hold a screen playing footage from the documentary Earthlings. Other activists perform outreach, engaging in a respectful dialogue with passersby, and handing out flyers with resources and information.
‘I don’t pay attention to that’
During the interview, PBN‘s Klaus Mitchell asked the actor about his increasing public activism.
According to Phoenix, he is keen to get involved in more protests, as he has ‘the opportunity to amplify the voice of the activists that are out here every day, or weekly, doing their work’.
Although criticism is often leveled at activists, the Joker star does not let that affect him. “I don’t know about any kind of pushback – because I don’t pay attention to that,” he said.
Vegan awards
Phoenix has reportedly been working very hard to promote a plant-based message in Hollywood recently, and has been credited for inspiring a slew of award ceremonies – including the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Award – to serve all-vegan menus.
Unnamed sources reportedly told Variety magazine that ‘Phoenix suggested the idea to the Globes, and played a key role in persuading them to make the switch’.
Phoenix – who picked up the gong for best Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama) for his role as Arther Fleck in Joker – praised HFPA in his acceptance speech, calling on his peers to make changes that could benefit the planet.
Thank you
“First I would like to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press for recognizing and acknowledging the link between animal agriculture and climate change, it’s a very bold move, making tonight plant-based,” he said.
“I have not always been a virtuous man, I have learned so much, and so many of you in this room have given me multiple opportunities to get it right and I’m deeply grateful.
“But together hopefully we can be unified, and hopefully make some changes. It’s great to vote, but sometimes we have to take that responsibility on ourselves and make changes and sacrifices in our own lives, and I hope that we can do that. We don’t have to take private jets to Palm Springs. I’ll try to do better and I hope you will too.”
