Showbiz world criticises Trump’s travel ban at Screen Actors Guild Awards

Stars at the Screen Actors Guild Awards have taken aim at Donald Trump’s decision to ban nationals of seven countries from entering the US. The US President has barred people from Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Libya, Somalia and Sudan in an executive order he says is aimed at protecting Americans from terrorism. But on the red carpet in Hollywood, there was little support for Mr Trump’s action.

When I heard the news, it was utterly devastating. The first thing that came into my head was the children who arrive on these shores with hope in their hearts.

Dev Patel

Star of TV’s Big Bang Theory Simon Helberg held a sign saying “refugees welcome” while his wife Jocelyn Towne had the message “let them in” written across her chest. British actor Dev Patel said the President’s executive order was “horrible” and “divisive”. Patel was nominated for best supporting actor for his performance in Lion, which is about a young Indian boy separated from his family and adopted in Australia. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who won the best comedy actress award for her role in Veep, told the ceremony’s audience that she was the daughter of an immigrant. The words came after Oscar winner John Legend urged Hollywood to stand up against Mr Trump’s order.

My father fled religious persecution in Nazi-occupied France. I’m an American patriot and I love this country. This immigration ban is a blemish and it’s un-American.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

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