Prominent Iranian celebrities are uniting in their calls for international support for the Iranian people amidst ongoing protests and a severe government crackdown. Notable figures, including the legendary singer Googoosh, have taken to social media to amplify the voices of those facing oppression in Iran.
Googoosh, who left Iran 26 years ago after being banned from performing, has over 6.8 million followers on Instagram. On January 12, 2023, she addressed former President Donald Trump in a letter, urging him to uphold his promise to assist the Iranian people. “Today, defenseless people inside Iran are crying out to you, asking for help as they face these ongoing crimes against humanity,” she stated, highlighting the challenges faced by Iranians, including poverty, blackouts, and censorship.
The ongoing unrest has sparked a wave of solidarity from the Iranian diaspora, many of whom are descendants of families that fled during the 1979 revolution. Actors and musicians with Iranian roots are using their platforms to advocate for change and raise awareness about the situation in their homeland.
In a video shared on Instagram, actor Arian Moayed, known for his role in “Succession,” emphasized the dire conditions faced by protesters: “Nobody in Iran can see this video. They can’t send a message or make a call. Iranian people are fighting for their lives and their future in the dark. If they are silenced, we must speak. Be their voice.”
The protests gained momentum after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died while in custody for allegedly not adhering to the country’s strict hijab laws. This incident ignited the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, which has faced brutal government retaliation, as reported by Human Rights Watch. The organization has documented significant violence against protesters, estimating that at least 2,500 people have been killed since the unrest began.
As the protests continue, Iranian-Americans rallied in Los Angeles, coinciding with the Golden Globes on January 11. Thousands gathered outside the Federal Building to voice their support for the Iranian people. Reza Jackson, a cast member from Bravo’s “The Valley: Persian Style,” described the event as a powerful display of unity, stating, “We are so strong when united like this with a single aim of kicking out the regime.”
The artistic community remains active despite government censorship. Filmmakers Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof have released critically acclaimed films that address the political climate in Iran. Both directors have faced arrests and restrictions on their work due to their outspoken criticism of the government. Panahi is currently in the U.S. promoting his Oscar contender “It Was Just An Accident,” while Rasoulof has lived in Germany since 2024.
In a joint statement, Panahi and Rasoulof expressed their concern for their compatriots: “We are deeply concerned for the lives of our fellow citizens, our families, and our colleagues and friends who, under these circumstances, have been left defenseless.” They called on the international community and human rights organizations to facilitate access to vital information in Iran.
The current situation in Iran reflects a complicated history of dissent and resistance against the Islamic Republic. While many Iranians continue to push for change, the brutal response from authorities raises questions about the future of the protest movement. As celebrities and activists amplify their calls for action, the hope for a better future remains a rallying point for those both inside and outside Iran.
As the world watches, the cry for justice and support for the Iranian people grows louder.
