Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville poses on the red carpet (Credit: AFP)
VIDEO: Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville interrupts film promo to condemn Gaza genocide
British actor Hugh Bonneville stunned viewers during a live ITV News broadcast when he used what was meant to be a lighthearted interview about Downton Abbey to demand international intervention over 'Israel’s' assault on Gaza.
The 61-year-old star, best known for playing Lord Grantham in the period drama, appeared on Wednesday night to promote Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the latest and final chapter in the beloved franchise. But when asked about the film, Bonneville immediately shifted the conversation.
"Before I talk about the fluff and loveliness of our wonderful film, what’s about to happen in Gaza City is indefensible and the international community must do more to bring it to an end," he declared, locking his eyes on the camera. The comment caught the reporter off guard, who was visibly surprised.
Bonneville quickly added, "Downton Abbey is a lovely film and we are going to celebrate 15 glorious years of it tonight."
Back in the ITV studio, the presenter reacted curtly, saying, "Of course it's not about the politics, it's all about the film."
Bonneville’s remarks coincided with growing global attention on the crisis. The same day, The Voice of Hind Rajab, a film chronicling the story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed by 'Israeli' soldiers, received a 23-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. Hollywood figures, including Joaquin Phoenix and Brad Pitt, have already voiced their support for the project.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 64,000 people have been killed in the enclave since the war began, with over 10,000 more missing beneath the rubble. At least 18,000 of the dead are children.
