In response to the ongoing crackdown on protests in Iran, prominent Iranian celebrities, including Googoosh and Nazanin Boniadi, have called for international support for the Iranian people. These appeals come amid a deadly government response to demonstrations ignited by the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022, which has seen thousands take to the streets across the country.
Googoosh’s Plea for Action
Googoosh, Iran’s most famous female pop star, made headlines on January 11, 2023, by posting an urgent message on Instagram to her 6.8 million followers. In her message, she shared a letter addressed to former U.S. President Donald Trump, dated January 12, where she urged him to “act on the promise” made to the Iranian people for assistance. “Today, defenseless people inside Iran are crying out to you, asking for help as they face these ongoing crimes against humanity,” she wrote. Her appeal reflects the sentiments of many Iranians living abroad, who are both heartbroken and hopeful amidst the unrest.
The cultural and emotional ties of these celebrities often stem from families that fled Iran after the 1979 revolution. Many have utilized their platforms to raise awareness about the violence against protesters and the broader implications of the Iranian regime’s actions. Arian Moayed, a cast member of the HBO series “Succession,” echoed this sentiment in a video message: “They can’t send a message or make a call. Even landlines are silent … Iranian people are fighting for their lives and their future in the dark. If they are silenced, we must speak. Be their voice. Ask your representatives to act now.”
Historical Context and Recent Protests
The current wave of protests is rooted in years of political and economic instability in Iran. Following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman detained by the morality police, the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement has gained momentum, drawing significant participation from women and youth. However, as noted by Human Rights Watch, the government’s response has been brutally repressive. According to the Iran Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 2,500 individuals have been killed since the protests began, though the Iranian government has not released an official death toll.
On the international stage, discussions about how to respond to the situation in Iran are ongoing. In a message on Truth Social, Trump indicated that “HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” without specifying the nature of the assistance being considered. Views within the Iranian diaspora are mixed regarding potential foreign intervention, but there is a consensus that the current government does not represent the will of the Iranian people.
Nazanin Boniadi, an actor and human rights advocate, highlighted the generational divide in Iranian experiences. “The majority of Iranians alive today have never known a secular Iran,” she wrote in an essay for The New Statesman. “That Iran has been systematically erased, replaced by an Islamic Republic of death and destruction.”
Global Solidarity and Artistic Resistance
As the Golden Globe Awards took place in Beverly Hills, thousands of Iranians rallied in Los Angeles to demonstrate their support for the protests happening in Iran. Some cast members from Bravo’s “The Valley: Persian Style” were present, showcasing the unity among Iranian Americans. Reza Jackson, a cast member, shared his enthusiasm for the turnout, emphasizing the strength of unity in their cause.
Despite the oppressive environment, artists continue to produce work that reflects the resilience of the Iranian people. Filmmakers Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof have released critically acclaimed films that address the political climate in Iran, even facing arrests and bans from the government as a consequence. In a joint statement, they expressed deep concern for their fellow citizens and called upon the international community to facilitate access to vital information within Iran. “History bears witness that silence today will have regretful consequences in the future,” they warned.
The situation in Iran remains dire, as the clash between the government and its citizens intensifies. With voices from within the diaspora amplifying the cries for freedom, the world watches closely as the struggle for human rights continues in the heart of the Islamic Republic.
