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

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)

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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Sam Waterston, who plays Sol on "Grace & Frankie," lent his support at the first rally on Oct. 18.
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The actress turned activist was arrested for a second time on Oct. 25.
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Fonda's longtime friend Ted Danson was also arrested Oct. 25.
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Rosanna Arquette was arrested on Nov. 1 after staging a sit-in alongside Fonda at the Hart Senate Office Building.
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Catherine Keener was also arrested on Nov. 1 at the Hart Building.
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Fonda spoke from the Capitol steps during her fourth rally on Nov. 8.
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Ben & Jerry's co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield joined Jane Fonda on Nov. 8.
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Fonda's "Grace & Frankie" daughters -- Brooklyn Decker and June Diane Raphael -- joined the Nov. 15 Fire Drill Friday.
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Raphael plays Fonda's elder daughter, Brianna, on the Netflix comedy.
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Decker plays Fonda's younger daughter, Mallory.
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Raphael waved to supporters after she was arrested at the Russell Senate Office Building.
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Robert Kennedy Jr. was also arrested on Nov. 15.
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As was "CSI" actress Marg Helgenbeger.
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On Nov. 22, model/actress Amber Valetta was arrested.
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As was "Covert Affairs" star Piper Perabo.
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Diane Lane gave a defiant look as she was cuffed on Nov. 22.
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"Young Sheldon" star Iain Armitage joined the cause on Black Friday, Nov. 29 -- though he wasn't arrested.
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Paul Scheer, who plays June Diane Raphael's husband on "Grace & Frankie," also joined the Nov. 29 rally.
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And was arrested afterwards.
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Sally Field was arrested during the Friday Drill Friday on Dec. 13.
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"Happy Endings" star Casey Wilson was all smiles as she was arrested on Dec. 20.
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"Orange Is the New Black" star Matt McGorry is used to playing a cop, not being arrested by one.
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Famed author and feminist Gloria Steinem can add environmental activism to her list of causes.
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On Dec. 27, Lily Tomlin joined Fonda outside the Capitol.
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Joaquin Phoenix -- fresh off his Best Actor win at the 2020 Golden Globes -- joined Fonda on Jan. 10 and was arrested.
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Martin Sheen, who plays Fonda's ex-husband on "Grace & Frankie," also marched Jan. 10.
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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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All the Stars Arrested at Jane Fonda's 'Fire Drill Fridays' Climate Change Protests (Photos)

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