George and Amal Clooney Make Contribution of $1 Million to Anti-Hate Groups

In the wake of numerous acts of hatred seen in Charlottesville, Virginia, George and Amal Clooney responded with unconditional verbal and financial support. Together, the Clooney Foundation of Justice and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) are partnering to extend the magnitude of the SPLC in order to fight against hate groups. The George and Amal Clooney foundation donated a total of $1 million through the Clooney Foundation for Justice.

Human rights lawyer, Amal, and famous actor, Clooney, pursued this initiative one week after the “Unite the Right” rally. The violently horrific rally left 1 woman dead and 19 people injured. Additionally, two Virginia State troopers were killed in a helicopter crash while attempting to protect the lives of civilians.

The Clooney’s donation also came after President Donald Trump’s reluctance to nationally condemn Neo Nazis and White Supremacists after the attack. The Clooney family made a statement to diversify the two sides involved in the attack in response to Trump’s unwillingness.

“Amal and I wanted to add our voice to the ongoing fight for equality,” they said in a statement. “There are no two sides to bigotry and hate.”

In a news conference on Aug. 15, Trump said, “I think there is blame on both sides.”

George and Amal Clooney also extended their gratitude for the SPLC in their joint statement.

“We are proud to support the Southern Poverty Law Center in its efforts to prevent violent extremism in the United States,” they said. “What happened in Charlottesville, and what is happening in communities across our country, demands our collective engagement to stand up to hate.”

The SPLC is a U.S. nonprofit that monitors extremists and domestic hate groups. Currently, the SPLC is tracking more than 1,600 extremist groups across the country. SPLC also won court battles against 50 individuals who fought or led hateful acts and 10 White Supremacist Organizations.