Actors & Artists Joining The Venezuela Fray
Wall Street Journal: ‘When Jared Leto expressed his support for the “dreamers” who are resisting Venezuela’s government during the Academy Award ceremony this week, he became the latest actor to dive into the country’s bitter political divide. Leto’s declaration to millions of viewers set off a skirmish, with Venezuela’s communications minister retweeting, “Whoever had doubts that the U.S. had its nose inside Venezuela, there is no doubt now.” From pop culture to high culture, Venezuela’s conflict is leading actors, artists, athletes and fashion designers to voice their support for the antigovernment protesters, with a minority backing President Nicolás Maduro. This battle over Venezuelans’ hearts and minds is playing out as hundreds of thousands across the country air their grievances over issues including crime, food shortages, a crumbling economy and the arrest of an opposition leader. At least 18 people have died so far in the demonstrations, many of them shot by security forces or paramilitary groups tied to the government, rights groups say. Hundreds have been wounded.’
