Overview
- She told reporters she was terrified for children and called the devastation in Gaza “no less than a genocide.”
- She urged audiences to hold elected officials accountable rather than artists and said free expression in the U.S. is under strain.
- Reporters pressed the topic despite a moderator’s attempt to halt political questions at the San Sebastián press conference.
- Coverage paired her remarks with independent tallies reporting more than 65,000 deaths and heavy civilian casualties in Gaza since 2023.
- The festival had already issued an open letter calling for a cease-fire and release of hostages, and reaction to her comments ranged from support to criticism from right-leaning outlets.