Prominent Iranian celebrities, including music icon Googoosh and actress Nazanin Boniadi, are publicly calling for international support for the Iranian people as protests against the government intensify. The Iranian regime’s violent crackdown on demonstrators has prompted many artists to leverage their platforms in speaking out against human rights violations.
Googoosh, who left Iran 26 years ago following years of performance bans, took to Instagram on January 12, 2023, to share a letter she had addressed to former President Donald Trump. In her message, she implored him to “act on the promise” he made to support Iranians facing dire circumstances. “Today, defenseless people inside Iran are crying out to you,” she wrote, highlighting the ongoing struggles including poverty, censorship, and violence. With a following of 6.8 million, her appeal resonates with many in the Iranian diaspora, who often have personal histories tied to the upheaval of 1979 when the monarchy was overthrown.
The protest movement has gained momentum since the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died after being detained by the morality police for allegedly violating hijab regulations. This incident sparked the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, which has faced brutal government retaliation according to Human Rights Watch. Protests have erupted across the country, but the government’s response has been increasingly severe, with reports estimating that at least 2,500 individuals have been killed since the unrest began.
In a video posted on Instagram, actor Arian Moayed emphasized the plight of those still in Iran, stating, “Right now, nobody in Iran can see this video. They can’t send a message, or make a call. Even landlines are silent.” He urged his followers to advocate on behalf of the Iranian people, stating, “If they are silenced, we must speak. Be their voice. Ask your representatives to act now.”
While many within the Iranian diaspora continue to debate the future of their homeland, they largely agree that the current regime is untenable. Boniadi articulated this sentiment in an essay for The New Statesman, remarking that most Iranians have never experienced a secular Iran where freedoms were respected. She described the current situation as a “systematic erasure” of a once vibrant society.
On January 8, 2023, as Hollywood stars attended the Golden Globes event in Beverly Hills, thousands of Iranians rallied in Los Angeles to support their compatriots back home. Among the demonstrators were cast members from Bravo’s “The Valley: Persian Style,” who expressed their solidarity in the face of oppression. Cast member Reza Jackson described the protest as “incredible,” noting the diverse turnout of ages and backgrounds unified in their goal to challenge the regime.
Amidst the turmoil, Iranian artists continue to create works that reflect the current sociopolitical climate. Notable filmmakers Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof, both of whom have faced governmental repression, released acclaimed films that have garnered international attention. In a joint statement, they expressed deep concern for their fellow citizens, urging the international community to facilitate vital communication access to Iran and to monitor the ongoing situation closely.
Panahi, currently promoting his Oscar contender “It Was Just An Accident,” which he filmed in secret, faces significant risks if he returns to Iran, including a one-year prison sentence. Rasoulof, now living in Germany, has similarly faced persecution for his artistic expression. Together, they have called for immediate action from human rights organizations and independent media to ensure that the voices of Iranians are not silenced.
As the situation evolves, the calls for solidarity from Iranian artists and activists underscore the urgent need for global awareness and action in support of a population fighting for basic human rights and freedoms. The world watches closely as the Iranian people strive for change, with many hoping that the international community will heed their pleas.