Brian Cox has addressed his position on the ongoing Gaza conflict, explaining why he has chosen to publicly support Palestine.
The actor believes it is important to speak out about the issue, describing the situation in the region as a “travesty.” He also acknowledged that many celebrities may not be as outspoken as he is because they fear the impact it could have on their careers.
Speaking to TRT World’s Ghida Fakhry, Cox explained why he remains outspoken in his support for Gaza while criticizing Israel’s actions in the conflict.
“I’m too old, too tired, and too talented, quite frankly, to take any sh-t. I just feel that I don’t want to do that anymore,” the veteran actor said.
Cox added that he continues to speak out because he believes Palestinians have long been treated unjustly.
“You know, I believe that the truth is important,” he said. “And I believe that it was a travesty what was happening in Palestine. It’s just that the way the Israelis have behaved towards Palestine is just unforgivable, quite honestly.”
Brian Cox Understands Why Some Actors Stay Silent
During the interview, Cox acknowledged that many celebrities have not felt comfortable publicly voicing their support for Palestine.
While he is comfortable speaking out himself, he said he understands why others have chosen not to be as vocal and expressed gratitude to those who have joined him in speaking up.
“Well, I think that a lot of people are sort of worried about their careers, you know,” Cox shared.
“But I do feel that there are a lot of actors who actually very much support what’s happening in Palestine and the Palestinian cause. It’s not even a cause, it’s just a right to be alive.”
The Veteran Actor Joins Boycott Of Israeli Movie Industry
As part of his support for Palestine, Cox is among the many high-profile figures who have signed a pledge to boycott the Israeli film industry, as well as production companies accused of collaborating with Israel.
The initiative, created by Filmmakers for Palestine, had attracted more than 5,500 signatories at the time of writing and has been translated into several languages.
“We pledge not to screen films, appear at or otherwise work with Israeli film institutions—including festivals, cinemas, broadcasters and production companies—that are implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people,” part of the pledge reads.
Other well-known figures who joined Cox in signing the pledge include Ayo Edebiri, Emma Stone, Rob Delaney, Ama McKay, and Olivia Colman.
Brian Cox Says The World Must Protect Gaza’s Children
During a recent public appearance, Cox also criticized Israel’s actions in the conflict, pointing to the thousands of children who have been killed since the war began.
“We do not make enough stand. We don’t say enough is enough,” the actor said, describing the ongoing crisis as a “genocide.” “It’s the kids. I can’t bear seeing these children who are endlessly killed.”
He added, “So many children have been murdered in this process. I really don’t care about the adults, but I do care about the children, and it is the children we are not looking after.”
Cox went on to say that everyone’s “priority” should be protecting children, particularly Palestinian children affected by the conflict.
Brian Cox Joined Stars To Raise Awareness For Gaza
Last year, Cox joined the likes of Billie Eilish, Finneas, Cillian Murphy, and Joaquin Phoenix in creating a support video for Palestine ahead of the Together for Palestine benefit concert.
The event was organized to support Palestinian-led organizations and raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In the clip, Cox said, “We have to tell the truth on behalf of the people of Palestine,” emphasizing his belief that more people should use their voices to speak out.
Cox also extended his support for the cause by appearing at the Palestine Festival of Literature in 2024, where he recited Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer’s poem, “If I Must Die.” The late poet was among those killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza.
