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Angelina Jolie says she does not 'recognise' her country

Angelina Jolie at the San Sebastián Film Festival - "These are very, very heavy times. We're all living it together"
Angelina Jolie at the San Sebastián Film Festival - "These are very, very heavy times. We're all living it together"

American star Angelina Jolie has said she loves her country but does not "recognise it", as she said we are living through "very heavy times".

Speaking at the San Sebastián Film Festival in Spain, Jolie discussed freedom of expression in the US.

Her comments come in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, and the subsequent criticism and claims of government censorship that followed, when Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show was suspended for comments about reactions to his death.

"I love my country, but I don't, at this time, recognise my country," the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider actress said.

"I've always lived internationally. My family's international, my friends, my life, my worldview is equal, united, international.

"So anything anywhere that divides or, of course, limits personal expressions and freedoms, and from anyone, I think, is very dangerous.

Angelina Jolie attends the Couture red carpet during the 73rd San Sebastian International Film Festival at Kursaal Palace on 21 September, 2025 in San Sebastian, Spain
Angelina Jolie attended the San Sebastián Film Festival to promote her new film, Couture

"And I think these are such serious times that we have to be careful not to say things casually.

"So I'll be careful during a press conference, but to say that, of course, like all of you and everyone watching, these are very, very heavy times. We're all living it together."

Conservative activist Mr Kirk was an ally of US President Donald Trump, who has blamed the "radical left" for his death.

President Trump has threatened to go after liberal organisations and donors, or others whom he feels are maligning or celebrating the killing, and TV networks that, he says, only give him bad press.

The decision by the US network ABC to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its schedules has led to widespread criticism from the likes of Hollywood stars Ben Stiller and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Jolie was at the San Sebastián Film Festival on Sunday to speak about her new film, Couture, which follows three women, including her character Maxine, who arrives in Paris to helm a video for a fashion event and receives a serious medical diagnosis.

Source: Press Association

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