Amal and George Clooney donate $1 million to ‘stand up to hate’ after Charlottesville attacks
CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 12: Lawyer Amal Clooney (L) and actor George Clooney attend a screening of “Money Monster” at the annual 69th Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 12, 2016 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
Amal and George Clooney have made a huge donation to “stand up to hate” in the wake of the Charlottesville riots.
The world famous couple have donated a whopping $1 million to the Southern Poverty Law Centre (SPLC) in the wake of the violence.
One woman, Heather Heyer, was killed in the violence, with many more injured in the neo Nazi attacks.
Amal Clooney (L) and actor George Clooney
SPLC revealed the huge donation this week, explaining that The Clooney Justice Foundation had made the donation.
The foundation seeks “to advance justice in courtrooms, classrooms and communities around the world,” according to its website.
“We are proud to support the Southern Poverty Law Center in its efforts to prevent violent extremism in the United States” the couple said in a statement.
“What happened in Charlottesville, and what is happening in communities across our country, demands our collective engagement to stand up to hate.”
The couple slammed US president Donald Trump, who had claimed “both sides” were responsible for the violence in Charlottesville.
In a comment to Deadline they said: “There are no two sides to bigotry and hate.”
The Clooneys are committed supporters to the non-profit, with both of them already serving as co-presidents.
SPLC president Richard Cohen said: “Like George and Amal Clooney, we were shocked by the size, ugliness, and ferocity of the white supremacist gathering in Charlottesville.
“It was a reflection of just how much Trump’s incendiary campaign and presidency has energized the radical right.
“We are deeply grateful to the Clooney Foundation for standing with us at this critical moment in our country’s fight against hate.”
Amal Clooney has dedicated her life to bringing about equality, working as a human rights lawyer with the likes of the UN.
Meanwhile husband George Clooney has used his vast fame to promote equality for many years – even getting arrested for it in 2012.
Apple also recently donated $1 million to the group in the wake of the events.
CEO Tim Cook wrote an emotional letters to staff outlining the company’s opposition to Trump’s claims over both sides being responsible.
