Lady Gaga Defends SAG Awards Amid Criticism

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“There are many reasons the world gives us all the time NOT to smile.”

Lady Gaga defended the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards on social media last night, after some users criticized the ceremony for going ahead as planned despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.


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Gaga attended yesterday’s annual show in Los Angeles alongside dozens of celebrities, many of whom acknowledged the devastating conflict in remarks and speeches.


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“This is a beautiful night where we all get to celebrate art together and celebrate each other, and there’s so much going on in the world,” she said in an interview with Laverne Cox. “My heart really goes out to Ukraine, and I think tonight we should really sit in the gratitude of this.”


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Others echoed her sentiment throughout the event. Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, asked viewers to “extend prayers to the people of Ukraine,” while Michael Douglas wore a pin symbolizing the Ukrainian flag on his jacket to show solidarity.


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“We’re holding a place in our hearts for Ukraine and sending our thoughts, prayers and hopes for impending peace,” said Leslie Odom Jr. in part of his opening address.


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Andrew Garfield referenced Ukraine in another red carpet interview. “It’s definitely odd that we are dressing up in this moment,” he said. “But, yeah. I’m very, very grateful to be here.”


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Gaga, who was nominated for outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role at the SAG Awards for House of Gucci, shared additional thoughts about the event and its timing on Instagram. “My true wish tonight is that for two hours myself and my fellow actors at @sagawards would have made the public smile,” she wrote.

“I’m honored to have been there, it is a privilege to be an entertainer.”


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“There are many reasons the world gives us all the time NOT to smile,” Gaga continued. “I’m praying tonight for Ukraine and am sending smiles to all your hearts I pray will be whole soon.”


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Leaders and civilians across the world are implementing policies, sending resources, and organizing massive protests in the wake of Russia’s deadly invasion of Ukraine on Thursday.


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The invasion is considered the largest, and gravest, conflict that Europe has seen in decades, and continues to threaten the safety of millions of Ukrainian residents this week.


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You can learn more about the developing situation in Ukraine here, and find out how to help here.

Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/emilymaeczachor/lady-gaga-defends-sag-awards-backlash-ukraine

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