Daijiworld Media Network - Spain

Spain, Sep 22: Hollywood star Angelina Jolie expressed deep concern over the state of free speech in the United States while promoting her latest film Couture at the San Sebastian Film Festival. The Oscar-winning actress said she currently does not recognise her own country due to perceived threats to personal expression.

“I love my country, but I don't at this time recognise my country,” Jolie said, highlighting the dangers of any limitations on personal freedoms. “Anything, anywhere, that divides or, of course, limits personal expressions and freedoms… I think is very dangerous. These are very, very heavy times we're all living in together.”

The comments come amid growing debate over free speech in the US, following President Donald Trump’s measures against critical media and the recent suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s show after his remarks on the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.

Jolie, 50, was at the festival to promote Couture, directed by French filmmaker Alice Winocour, which is competing for the Golden Shell. She plays Maxine Walker, an American director navigating Paris Fashion Week while dealing with personal challenges, including divorce and serious illness.

The actress, who underwent a double mastectomy and later had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed due to a high genetic risk of cancer, said she connected deeply with her character. “I wish my mother was able to speak more as openly as I have been… and not feel as alone,” she said, visibly moved.

She further noted, “There's something very particular to women's cancers, because obviously it affects us, you know, how we feel as women.” Jolie’s remarks resonated both with her personal experiences and broader concerns about freedom of expression in contemporary society.