Javier Bardem has launched a fierce attack on ‘toxic masculinity’, while also condemning violence against women, war and world leaders including Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin.
The Spanish actor and Oscar winner made the remarks during promotional appearances for his new film ‘El ser querido’, directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen.
Bardem, long known for his outspoken political activism and support for causes including Palestinian statehood and anti-war movements, said Spain still suffers from deeply rooted sexism.
‘I come from a very macho country called Spain,’ he said.
‘I think it comes from what they call “toxic masculinity”, which is the poor education we have received for many generations, myself included.’
The actor described the number of women killed through gender violence in Spain as ‘horrible’ and warned society had become dangerously desensitised to the issue.
‘We’ve somehow normalised it. Are we crazy? We kill women because some men believe they own them,’ Bardem said.
He then broadened his criticism to global conflicts and political leaders, accusing Trump, Netanyahu and Putin of fuelling violence and destruction.
‘Alpha males go around saying: “My dick is bigger than yours and I’m going to bomb you into destruction”,’ Bardem said.
‘It’s f*****g toxic male behaviour that is creating thousands of deaths.’
Meanwhile, Sorogoyen praised Bardem both personally and professionally following their collaboration on the film.
‘Apart from getting to know a wonderful and very down-to-earth person, he’s probably the least “star-like” star in the entire star system,’ the director said.
‘He’s incredibly intelligent, hardworking, professional and very funny. What surprised me most is the risks he takes in every scene without being afraid of making mistakes.’
