Jane Fonda has taken a significant step in defending free speech by re-establishing the Committee for the First Amendment, a historic group originally formed during the McCarthy era. On October 1, 2025, Fonda announced the committee’s relaunch, gathering over 500 celebrities and influential figures from Hollywood, including prominent actors such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Viola Davis, and Michael Keaton, as well as directors like Spike Lee and Ben Stiller.
The original Committee for the First Amendment was created in October 1947 amidst growing fears of communist infiltration in the film industry. Fonda, whose father, actor Henry Fonda, was a member, emphasized that this revitalization is not merely a new initiative but a continuation of a legacy aimed at protecting artistic expression.
Historical Context of the Original Committee
The formation of the original committee was a response to the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), which held a series of hearings to investigate alleged communist activities in Hollywood. These hearings began with a bipartisan congressional committee in 1947 that aimed to uncover what it described as a “communist infiltration of the motion picture industry.” The committee invited 23 witnesses, including notable figures like the novelist Ayn Rand, who testified against perceived communist influences in films.
During this tumultuous period, the FBI criticized films such as It’s a Wonderful Life, claiming it “deliberately maligned the upper classes.” The hearings created significant divisions within Hollywood, leading to the blacklisting of numerous artists who were suspected of having leftist ties.
Resistance and Consequences
The HUAC hearings drew considerable media attention, with Hollywood stars testifying amid intense scrutiny. While some, like Gary Cooper, supported the committee’s efforts against communism, others, including the “Hollywood 10,” faced severe repercussions. This group, consisting of screenwriters and directors who refused to cooperate with HUAC, was cited for contempt of Congress and subsequently faced legal consequences, including imprisonment.
The original committee organized protests and broadcasts to defend the rights of artists, raising over US$13,000 (approximately $188,000 today) to support their cause. However, as political pressure intensified, many members, including Humphrey Bogart, withdrew their support, leading to the committee’s decline shortly after its formation.
Despite its initial promise, the committee failed to shield the Hollywood 10 from professional and legal consequences. The subsequent “Waldorf declaration” by studio executives solidified blacklisting practices, resulting in the forced removal of many artists from the industry.
Modern Relevance and the New Movement
Fast forward to 2025, the revival of the Committee for the First Amendment comes during a time of renewed concerns about free speech in America. A recent Marist poll indicated that approximately 80% of Americans believe the government is restricting First Amendment freedoms too much. The parallels between the historical blacklist era and contemporary issues, including political pressures on comedians and artists, have prompted many to support Fonda’s initiative.
The new committee consists of members who actively participated in recent labor movements, including the screenwriters and actors’ strikes of 2023. Fonda’s efforts aim to highlight the ongoing struggle for artistic freedom and the importance of protecting the rights of creators in the face of censorship.
As Fonda and her supporters rally to defend free expression, they echo sentiments from the past, reminding society of the critical role artists play in advocating for a better future. As actress Katharine Hepburn famously stated in 1947, “Silence the artist, and you silence the most articulate voice the people have.”
The revival of the Committee for the First Amendment serves not only as a tribute to its historical predecessors but also as a call to action in defending the essential rights enshrined in the First Amendment. Fonda’s leadership and the backing of a diverse coalition of artists signal a commitment to preserving the freedoms that many believe are vital for a thriving democratic society.
