Javier Bardem criticises world leaders over ‘toxic masculinity’

Spanish actor Javier Bardem has criticised world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, linking their leadership styles to what he described as “toxic masculinity” and global conflicts.

Bardem made the remarks during a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival, where he is receiving praise for his latest role in The Beloved, directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen. In the film, he plays an authoritarian and emotionally volatile film director, a character he said reflects broader societal issues around aggression and power.

During his comments, Bardem argued that traits associated with toxic masculinity contribute not only to domestic violence but also to larger-scale conflicts and wars. He specifically named Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu in this context, drawing a direct link between leadership behaviour and global instability.

Three killed in remote-controlled blast near Wana Rustom Bazaar

The actor, 57, has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza since 2023. Reiterating his stance, Bardem said the ongoing war has caused widespread destruction in the Palestinian territory and referred to it as “genocide,” a claim widely disputed in international political discourse.

According to health authorities in Gaza, more than 72,000 people have been killed since the beginning of the conflict, with women and children making up a significant proportion of the casualties. Bardem said public silence or support for the war amounts to complicity.

Despite his outspoken political views, Bardem noted that his acting career remains unaffected, saying he is receiving more work than ever. He attributed this to what he described as a “changing narrative” around global political issues, suggesting that industry attitudes toward political expression may be evolving.

His remarks have added to ongoing debates in the film industry about the intersection of celebrity activism, political criticism, and artistic freedom, particularly in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict and broader geopolitical tensions.