Meryl Streep is, without a doubt, one of the world’s absolutely favourite people. So, when she annihilated Donald Trump during a powerful, elegant, and dignified Golden Globes speech, the world sat up and listened.
“Disrespect invites disrespect, violence incites violence. And when the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose,” she said, to rapturous applause from the star-studded audience.
However one person, naturally, wasn’t happy with Streep’s speech. So, despite the fact she never mentioned him by name, President-elect Trump has launched an attack on the award-winning actor.
Dubbing her a “Hillary flunky who lost big”, Trump went on to claim that Streep is “one of the most overrated actresses in Hollywood”.
Yes, that is the very same Streep who’s won three Academy Awards - with 19 nominations - and eight Golden Globes (hence the lifetime achievement nod). .
From Kramer vs Kramer, to Sophie’s Choice, to The Iron Lady, to any of her 79 films, she’s proven time and time again that she can tackle any role. And George Clooney, for one, isn’t about to let Trump blast one of his most respected peers and colleagues.
“Aren't you supposed to be running the country?” he asked Trump, via the Guardian. “I didn't vote for him, I don't support him, I don't think he's the right choice.
“At this moment in our lives we have to hope that he doesn't destroy everything. The reality is you have to hope he will do a decent job because if the United States fails, really terrible things happen, so you have to hope that he can.”
He then added: “I don't see any signs of it.”
Clooney isn’t the only one to defend Streep from Trump; in fact, the entire internet has leapt to her aid, via the hilarious hashtag #ThingsTrumpThinksAreOverrated.
These ranged from the serious...
To the hilarious...
In another blow to Trump, it has also been revealed that Rebecca Ferguson (oh she of X Factor fame) has now declined his offer to sing at his inauguration.
Just last week, she tweeted to say she'd been approached to appear at the event - but added that she'd only perform if she could sing Strange Fruit, a protest song which describes the lynching of African Americans early last century.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, her request was not granted – and, as such, Ferguson is opting out of Trump’s not-so-star-studded swearing in.
“There are many grey areas about the offer for me to perform that I'm unable to share right now, but I will not be singing,” she said in a statement.
Responding to those who had initially criticised her for considering the invite, Ferguson added: “I requested to sing Strange Fruit as I felt it was the only song that would not compromise my artistic integrity and also as somebody who has a lot of love for all people, but has a special empathy as well for African American people and the #blacklivesmatter movement, I wanted to create a moment of pause for people to reflect.
“I believe talent is a gift that should be used to heal the wounds of this world and make the world a better place to live in. As music is so powerful, I wanted to try and help educate the people watching of where division and separation can lead to if not corrected. My aim was not to cause contention.”
Trump, despite also being rejected by the likes of Celine Dion and Gene Simmons’ band, Kiss, has managed to secure one act for his big day; opera talent Jackie Evancho, the 16-year-old America's Got Talent star who went on to launch a successful solo career, will be singing at his inauguration.
In an interview with the Today show, Evancho said she was “honoured” to perform, but has since gone on to say she’s been cyber-bullied for accepting Trump’s offer.
Despite this, the teenager has insisted that she is still very excited about the concert.
“I feel like it’s going to be a big audience, and I love big audiences,” she told People.
undefined
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.