Jane Fonda speaks out on George Floyd death: ‘Because we’re white, we have had privilege’

‘The policies have to be changed, and then white people have to understand the history that has led to this’

Jane Fonda has spoken out about white privilege and racism following the death of George Floyd.

The actor and activist was interviewed by Don Lemon on CNN over the weekend, as protests continued across the US in reaction to Floyd’s death.

“It’s important for white people to understand the benefit of white privilege. Talk to me about that quickly if you can,” Lemon asked her.

Fonda replied: “Because we’re white, we have had privilege. Even the poorest of us have had privilege.

“And we need to recognise that, and we have to understand what it is that keeps racism in place — the policies, redlining, banking policies, mortgage policies.

“All of the things that are really making it very, very difficult for black people to lift themselves up.

“The policies have to be changed, and then white people have to understand the history that has led to this and we have to try to change within ourselves.”

Earlier in the interview, Fonda deemed the current situation a “very important moment”, adding: ”We have an election coming, we have a pandemic crisis, we have a climate crisis, we have a race crisis, and we have a choice to make.”

Floyd died aged 46 in Minneapolis, Minnesota on 25 May after a white police officer knelt on his neck.

The officer, Derek Chauvin, has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.