Gere Urges Germany to Stand Up to China
From the Cinema for Peace Gala at the Berlin Film Festival Monday, U.S. film star Richard Gere encouraged Germany to press China on the issue of human rights in Tibet. As you may know, Gere is a devout Buddhist and a strong supporter of the Tibetan Independence movement. Currently Germany holds the presidencies of both the European Union and the G-8 which, according to the American Gigolo star, means that now is a “historic moment for Germany to step forward.” An interesting fact about Gere’s involvement in the Free Tibet cause: like the Dalai Lama (pictured left with the ripped bicep), the actor is permanently banned from entering mainland China. At a news conference Monday, Gere told the media, “This is a moment of great possibility for not just punishing but encouraging China to become part of the modern world. Tibet should be ever-present in any discussion with China.” While there was no official response from the Chinese government on Gere’s statement, one Chinese person interviewed by Flumesday had this to say on the matter: “He makes a good point about Tibet. I really believe that Tibet….wait a sec…. Richard Gere?… isn’t he the dude from that hooker movie who used to do the thing with the gerbils?” Yes, I suppose he is. But he’s also “Jack Somersby from that Civil War movie” and he’s also “the scorned husband from that crazy hot Diane Lane affair movie.” Later this year, Gere will star in I’m Not There, a film in which seven characters embody different aspects of Bob Dylan’s life.
•AP: Gere Urges Germany to Press China