George Clooney has urged the White House to stop ‘infantile name-calling’ in the face of the war in Iran.
The 64-year-old star responded after the White House mocked his acting abilities following a talk where he accused US President Donald Trump of war crimes.
His comments drew the ire of Trump’s White House, with communications director Steven Cheung firing back at the Jay Kelly actor.
‘The only person committing war crimes is George Clooney for his awful movies and terrible acting ability,’ he wrote on X.
Clooney had spoken to 3,000 high school students at a Clooney Foundation For Justice event in Cuneo, Italy, on Wednesday, commenting: ‘Some say Donald Trump is fine. But if anyone says he wants to end a civilisation, that’s a war crime…
‘You can still support the conservative point of view, but there must be a line of decency, and we must not cross it.’
Earlier this week, Trump had taken to Truth Social and warned in an alarming statement that a ‘whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again’ if Iran didn’t agree to terms for a ceasefire.
It’s since been reported that a conditional two-week ceasefire was reached.
In a statement of response to Cheung’s comments shared with The Hollywood Reporter, Clooney wrote: ‘Families are losing their loved ones. Children have been incinerated. The world’s economy is on a knife’s edge.
‘This is a time for vigorous debate at the highest levels. Not for infantile name-calling.
‘I’ll start. A war crime is alleged “when there is intent to physically destroy a nation,” as defined by the Genocide Convention and the Rome Statute.
‘What is the administration’s defence? [besides calling me a failed actor which I happily agree with having starred in Batman and Robin].’
It’s not the first time Clooney and Trump have been at odds, as the US President previously mocked him and his wife Amal for obtaining French citizenship.
In December, he wrote: ‘Good News! George and Amal Clooney, two of the worst political prognosticators of all time, have officially become citizens of France which is, sadly, in the midst of a major crime problem because of their absolutely horrendous handling of immigration, much like we had under Sleepy Joe Biden.’
Donald Trump’s celebrity feuds
- Rosie O’Donnell – one of his longest-standing spats, dating back to 2006, Trump has called the comedian ‘a real loser’ and ‘a woman out of control’ after she criticised a decision he made as a part-owner of Miss Universe. Following his second election win, she and her family moved to Ireland.
- Jimmy Kimmel – Trump blasted him as possibly ‘the worst host’ in Oscars history ahead of the 2024 Academy Awards, with the TV host choosing to respond during the telecast and quipped: ‘Thank you, President Trump. Surprised you’re watching. Isn’t it past your jail time?’
- Robert De Niro – there is no love lost between the actor and Trump, with De Niro calling him ‘a jerk, an idiot’ and also ‘a clown’ in a 2024 appearance on Max’s Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?. He also said he now understood how the president could be embroiled in so many spats because: ‘I see what a hateful, mean-spirited, awful thing he is. He’s vicious.’ Trump has branded De Niro ‘a total loser’ and claimed ‘his acting talents have greatly diminished’.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger – initially friendly, things went south when Schwarzenegger replaced Trump on The Apprentice in 2015 and the following year announced he had not voted for him in the election. When Trump retaliated by claiming his old show had now ‘floundered’ ratings-wise since his exit, Schwarzenegger wished him the best and hoped he would serve the American people as vigorously as he had pursued his TV ratings.
He also branded Clooney ‘average’, adding: ‘Clooney got more publicity for politics than he did for his very few, and totally mediocre, movies.
‘He wasn’t a movie star at all, he was just an average guy who complained, constantly, about common sense in politics. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!’
In response, Clooney told The Hollywood Reporter: ‘I totally agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. We’ll start in November.’
November marks the US midterm elections, the results of which could have a serious effect on the rest of Trump’s presidency.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.