🎤 Charlize Theron Slams Immigration Policies at CTAOP Block Party: “This Isn’t Just Policy, It’s Personal”

Los Angeles, CA — June 29, 2025 At the fifth annual Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) Block Party, Oscar-winning actress and activist Charlize Theron delivered a fiery and emotional speech that took direct aim at current U.S. immigration policies and broader global injustices. The event, held on the Universal Studios backlot, was intended to raise funds for youth health and safety initiatives in Southern Africa—but Theron used the platform to shine a spotlight on what she called a “world burning in reverse.”

🌍 A Night of Glamour Meets Grit

The CTAOP Block Party has become a staple on the Hollywood charity calendar, known for its blend of celebrity appearances, musical performances, and heartfelt activism. This year’s event featured a live “Hot Ones” segment with Theron and her Old Guard 2 co-star KiKi Layne, and a musical performance by Reneé Rapp, who debuted her new single “Mad.”

But amid the glitz, Theron’s speech cut through with raw urgency.

“Here in Los Angeles, in the U.S., and across the globe, we’re moving backwards fast,” she said. “Immigration policy has destroyed the lives of families, not criminals; women’s rights are becoming less and less every day; queer and trans lives are increasingly being erased; and gender-based violence is on the rise. This isn’t just policy—it’s personal.”

🗣️ A Personal Connection to Immigration

Theron, who was born in South Africa and became a U.S. citizen in 2007, has long been vocal about her immigrant experience. She revealed that she was deported at age 19 for overstaying her work visa while trying to break into Hollywood. That experience, she said, gave her a deep empathy for those caught in the crosshairs of immigration enforcement.

“I know what it feels like to be told you don’t belong,” she told the crowd. “But I had privilege. I had resources. Millions of others don’t.”

Her remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of U.S. immigration policies, including cuts to foreign aid and increased deportations under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a controversial agency established during the Trump administration’s second term.

💔 Foreign Aid Cuts and South Africa’s HIV Crisis

Theron also condemned the U.S. government’s decision to slash foreign aid, particularly funding for HIV and AIDS programs in Africa. She warned that these cuts have had devastating consequences in her home country.

“Foreign aid cuts brought HIV and AIDS programs in South Africa to an absolute standstill,” she said. “People will lose their lives. Many already have, and at a frightening rate. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see this kind of unnecessary suffering.”

According to CTAOP, the organization has reached over 4.5 million youth since its founding in 2007 and has contributed nearly $15 million to grassroots initiatives across South Africa. But Theron emphasized that philanthropy alone cannot replace government support.

💥 A Jab at Jeff Bezos and Hollywood Excess

Theron’s speech also included a pointed critique of billionaire Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sánchez, who had just hosted a lavish $50 million wedding in Venice, Italy. The event drew criticism for its extravagance amid global crises.

“I think we might be the only people who didn’t get an invite to the Bezos wedding,” Theron joked. “But that’s OK—because they suck, and we’re cool.”

The crowd erupted in laughter and applause, but Theron quickly pivoted back to her message.

“Especially when the world feels like it’s burning—because it is.”

Her comments were widely interpreted as a call for the wealthy and powerful to prioritize global issues over personal indulgence. Environmental groups like Greenpeace also protested the Bezos wedding, unfurling banners in Venice that read, “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax.”

🧠 “This Isn’t Just Policy, It’s Personal”

Theron’s refrain—“this isn’t just policy, it’s personal”—became the emotional core of her speech. She argued that the rollback of rights and protections isn’t happening in a vacuum but is affecting real people in real time.

“Women’s rights are becoming less and less every day. Queer and trans lives are increasingly being erased. Gender-based violence is on the rise. This isn’t just politics—it’s people’s lives.”

She urged attendees to resist complacency and to take action through voting, organizing, and supporting grassroots movements.

“There is power in all of us standing up, organizing, protesting, voting, and caring for each other,” she said. “We must refuse to accept that this is the new normal.”

🎟️ The Event: A Celebration of Resistance

Despite the heavy themes, the CTAOP Block Party maintained its celebratory spirit. Guests included actors Henry Golding, Marwan Kenzari, and David Oyelowo, as well as philanthropists and youth leaders from across the globe. The event featured a fundraising auction, gourmet food trucks, and immersive exhibits showcasing CTAOP’s impact.

Theron and KiKi Layne participated in a live taping of Hot Ones, the popular YouTube interview series hosted by Sean Evans, where they answered questions while eating increasingly spicy chicken wings. The segment raised thousands of dollars for CTAOP.

📈 The Bigger Picture: Hollywood’s Role in Advocacy

Theron’s speech adds to a growing chorus of celebrities using their platforms to speak out on political and humanitarian issues. From Angelina Jolie’s work with refugees to Leonardo DiCaprio’s climate activism, Hollywood is increasingly becoming a battleground for public discourse.

But Theron’s approach—blending humor, personal narrative, and policy critique—stood out for its authenticity and urgency.

“We’re not just here to raise money,” she said. “We’re here to raise hell.”

🧩 Final Thoughts: A Call to Action

As the night drew to a close, Theron left the audience with a message of hope and resilience.

“Although our focus is on the youth in Southern Africa, what we’re really talking about here tonight is that all lives should be valued. Everyone should have the right to be healthy and safe and to be seen.”

In a world grappling with division, displacement, and despair, Charlize Theron’s voice rang out as a reminder that compassion, courage, and community still matter—and that silence is not an option.