Hollywood unites for ‘No Kings’ protests across the US

Hollywood's biggest names joined thousands of Americans on Saturday in nationwide "No Kings" protests denouncing President Donald Trump and calling for the defence of democracy and free speech.

Demonstrations swept through major US cities — including Los Angeles, New York, and Washington — marking a resurgence of the anti-authoritarian movement. The "No Kings" protests, first seen in June ahead of a US Army anniversary parade, returned with renewed energy and celebrity presence.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Spike Lee urged action on Instagram, sharing an image from the New York march with the caption: "Get up, stand up." Jamie Lee Curtis posted a carousel of protest photos with the rallying words, "Democracy in ACTION!"

Ben Stiller also lent his voice online, reposting an image of a protester holding a sign that read: No Kings except for Knicks player Jalen Brunson. Two days before the rallies, actor and activist Mark Ruffalo called for mass participation, writing, "WE the People — WE have the power and together WE will win! Courage is contagious!"

Across the country, crowds carried banners, chanted slogans, and filled city streets in peaceful demonstrations against government censorship, the erosion of media freedom, and political overreach.

In Los Angeles, Writers Guild of America West president Michele Mulroney addressed protesters, warning of "a coordinated effort to silence dissent." She spoke out against the administration's alleged interference in television programming, citing the temporary suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert".

"As writers, our currency is words and stories," Mulroney told the crowd. "The freedom to express ourselves is a fundamental American right — and it's under attack. This isn't just about Hollywood; it's about every citizen's right to question power and defend truth."

She also criticised the growing consolidation of media ownership. "An increasingly small number of gatekeepers now control what the public gets to see and hear," she said, calling for the preservation of an independent press.

"The Writers Guild stands here today, with all of you, to say loudly and proudly that we will speak our minds, write our truths, tell our stories, and fight like hell for free speech and an independent media," Mulroney concluded to applause.