Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Nicole Kidman clarifies comments in support of Donald Trump

'I was trying to stress that I believe in democracy, and the American constitution,' says actor

Maya Oppenheim
Sunday 15 January 2017 16:07 GMT
Comments
Kidman, who is a United Nations Women goodwill ambassador, explained that she tends to be reluctant to speak about politics in the public domain
Kidman, who is a United Nations Women goodwill ambassador, explained that she tends to be reluctant to speak about politics in the public domain (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Nicole Kidman rarely speaks politics. While other Hollywood actors were busy expressing their contempt for Donald Trump, she always kept quiet.

However, Kidman decided to weigh in on the subject last week, suggesting America needed to come together and support the President-elect.

The 49-year-old has now sought to clarify her comments and insisted she was simply expressing her support for democracy and the American constitution.

“I was trying to stress that I believe in democracy, and the American constitution. It’s that simple,” she told Access Hollywood.

When probed about whether she thought people had misconstrued her remarks, she said: “I’m just, I’m out of it now. That’s what I said. It’s that simple.”

The Hawaiian born actor, who was raised in Australia but has dual citizenship, came under fire after she addressed the election of Mr Trump on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire Show. Many saw the remarks as an expression of support for the billionaire property developer.

“I just say, [Trump‘s] now elected, and we as a country need to support whoever’s the president because that’s what the country’s based on,” she said.

Kidman, who is a United Nations Women goodwill ambassador, also explained she is generally reluctant to speak about politics in the public domain.

“I’m always reticent to start commenting politically. I’ve never done it in terms of America or Australia. I’m issue-based,” she said, explaining she is committed to women’s issues.

Referring to Mr Trump Kidman said, “Whatever, however that happened, he’s there and let’s go.”

Kidman, who is a Roman Catholic, is believed to have donated to US Democratic party candidates in the past.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in