About the Committee
The Committee for the First Amendment is a large collective of artists, storytellers, and cultural leaders standing together to defend free expression against government repression, industry complicity, and intimidation.
Free speech is not partisan — it is the cornerstone of democracy, the lifeblood of art, and a global beacon for freedom. History has taught us: silence is complicity, and solidarity is our only defense.
The formation of this Committee is not a warning shot. This is the beginning of a sustained fight.
We draw inspiration from the original Committee for the First Amendment, when artists like Lauren Bacall, Lucille Ball, Judy Garland, Humphrey Bogart, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Henry Fonda stood together against attacks on the First Amendment during the darkness of the McCarthy era. Today, we continue in that spirit: preparing for what’s coming, resisting with non-cooperation—but always non-violence— when needed, and ensuring our collective voice is loud and purposeful in these dangerous times.
Inspired by our history.
In 1947, the original Committee for the First Amendment produced a two-part radio program — that aired on the ABC Radio Network — to express outrage at government infringements on free speech, stand in solidarity with their targeted colleagues in the film industry, and publicize the frightening implications of a United States without freedom of expression. We are moved by their courage to speak truth to power and alarmed by how relevant their words are today, 78 years later.
Stand with us now.
Our industry—and artists around the world—have a long history of refusing to be silenced, even in the darkest times. We face a powerful assault today, but we still have our voices, each other, and the freedom to express ourselves. Let’s speak out before it’s too late.