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A Joaquin Phoenix Animal Rights Documentary Helped Defuse a Ukraine Hostage Crisis

President Zelensky endorsed the 2005 documentary ”Earthlings“ as narrated by the Oscar winner as part of gunman’s demands

| July 22, 2020 @ 8:24 AM
Joaquin Phoenix

Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images

A 2005 animal rights documentary narrated by Joaquin Phoenix called “Earthlings” in part helped Ukrainian officials defuse a tense hostage situation.

The New York Times reported Wednesday that a 12-hour hostage situation ended after a gunman demanded, among other things, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky endorse the documentary, which he did in a now-deleted post to his Facebook.

“Everybody watch the 2005 film ‘Earthlings,'” Zelensky said in a post to his Facebook.

The documentary, directed by Shaun Monson and narrated by Phoenix, uses hidden camera footage that captures animals suffering and being abused for scientific research or as part of the agricultural industry.

Also Read: Neon Acquires Animal Documentary 'Gunda' Exec Produced by Joaquin Phoenix

The gunman held 13 hostages while armed with automatic weapons and explosives, according to the Times. None of the hostages were physically harmed.

After previously releasing three hostages, the Times says the gunman released the remaining 10 hostages after Zelensky posted his endorsement of “Earthlings.” Local Ukrainian media also reported that the hostage-taker showed the documentary to the hostages while holding them captive on a bus.

Zelensky issued a statement via the Times after the hostages were released defending his decision to agree to the gunman’s demand to endorse the film.

“We were not fighting for ratings,” Zelensky said. “We were fighting for lives.”

All the Stars Arrested at Jane Fonda's 'Fire Drill Fridays' Climate Change Protests (Photos)

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  • Catherine Keener Fire Drill Fridays Photo credit: Fire Drill Fridays/Facebook
  • Jane Fonda Fire Drill Fridays Photo credit: Fire Drill Fridays/Facebook
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  • Paul Scheer Fire Drill Fridays Photo credit: TMZ
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  • matt mcgorry fire drill friday Photo credit: Fire Drill Fridays/Facebook
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  • Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda protesting Photo credit: Getty Images
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Joaquin Phoenix and Martin Sheen, Fonda’s ”Grace & Frankie“ co-star, are the latest celeb to march against climate change

Actress Jane Fonda has been leading "Fire Drill Friday" climate change protests in Washington, D.C. every Friday since October. In addition to being arrested many times herself, a number of Fonda's famous friends and colleagues have shown up to protest alongside her -- and many got booked as well. Check out a few of the famous faces here, along with some speakers and activists.

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