Hollywood actor Channing Tatum has been criticised after declining to speak out against the Berlin International Film Festival’s position on Palestine
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Berlin: Actor Channing Tatum is under fire for his refusal to criticise the Berlin International Film Festival for not allowing participants to speak on Palestine. Here’s what we know.
Channing Tatum‘s Response Stuns Audience
Journalist Kira Muller asked American actor Channing Tatum if he would consider signing an open letter in what she said is a “silencing campaign against solidarity with Palestine”.
In response, Tatum looked shaken and began looking around before responding: “I don’t even know what’s happening exactly.” The actor continued to look for someone before frowning and saying, “Oh, I didn’t think I didn’t hear very much of what you said, but now I think I do.” The actor looked uncomfortable answering the question, shook his head, before the panel chair asked to move on to another question.
The audience looked stunned, and so were fans who commented: “Is he serious? This is dystopian levels of strategic silence.” Another social media user said: “I am doing a mad cleaning in my IG. All of these people looking on the other way make me sick”, while a commenter felt his “money is worth more than morals”.
The Fallout
It’s a far cry from the 45-year-old actor’s past actions, who once posted his own supportive message to social media and voiced his concerns in an open letter to then-President Joe Biden in 2023.
In July 2025, he shared a picture on social media of an unarmed Palestinian boy wearing a Superman costume with the caption:
“A young Palestinian boy, having witnessed more terror than most adults beyond Gaza ever will, wanders the streets dressed as Superman.”
“This is not a political post because I don’t know enough about anything to have a real voice in this. But I have enough of a voice to say this little boy is a superhero of the highest order and I pray for his safety and strength.”
More than 80 actors have signed an open letter criticising the festival’s silence on Israel’s invasion and occupation of Gaza. They include Javier Bardem, Mark Ruffalo, Adam McKay, Brian Cox, and Tilda Swinton.
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore
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