“The federal government is once again engaged in a coordinated campaign to silence critics in the government, the media, the judiciary, academia, and the entertainment industry,” the committee said in a statement. “We refuse to stand by and let that happen.”<\/p>\n

BRENDAN CARR TO TESTIFY BEFORE SENATE COMMITTEE AFTER DRAWING CRITICISM FOR JIMMY KIMMEL COMMENTS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Jane Fonda’s father, Henry Fonda, spearheaded the original version of the Committee for the First Amendment<\/a> in 1947 in response to the “Second Red Scare,” a period where there was an increasing fear of influence from communist ideology and the Soviet Union across the country.<\/p>\n

This period is associated with former Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R-WI), an anti-communist crusader<\/a> who was known for claiming communists had infiltrated the U.S. government and other American institutions.<\/p>\n

The Committee was initially created in an effort to defend free speech and oppose government activity, but at the time, it was met with backlash for its suspected ties to the Communist Party. <\/p>\n

Henry Fonda’s initiative was also supported by famous names in Hollywood at the time, including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Gene Kelly. <\/p>\n

Fonda’s relaunch comes after late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was taken off the air<\/a> following pressure from President Donald Trump’s chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr<\/a>, over comments Kimmel made about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. <\/p>\n

REPUBLICANS ARE PUSHING THESE FIVE DEMOCRATS TO FLIP ON FUNDING BILL<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

More than 400 celebrities called Kimmel’s suspension a “dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation” in an open letter <\/a>released by the American Civil Liberties Union. Kimmel has since returned to the air, but the situation triggered conversations about free speech.<\/p>\n

The announcement of the relaunch stated that they will “stand together-fiercely united-to defend free speech and expression from this assault.”<\/p>\n

“This is not a partisan issue,” the statement said. “That is why we urge every American who cares about the First Amendment – the cornerstone of our democracy – and every artist around the globe who looks to the United States as a beacon of freedom to join us.” <\/p>\n

Jane Fonda told CNN’s Dana Bash that it is the “most frightening” moment of her life and that it is a “very chilling time.” <\/p>\n

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A post shared by Dana Bash (@danabashcnn)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n