Billie Eilish, Gracie Abrams and Others Back Relaunch of McCarthy-Era Free Speech Committee

More than 600 artists — including Billie Eilish and Gracie Abrams — have joined an initiative spearheaded by Jane Fonda to defend free expression.

On October 1, 2025, Fonda announced the relaunch of the Committee for the First Amendment, an organization first established by her father, actor Henry Fonda, during the McCarthy era. The revived group brings together performers, writers and creators to oppose what they describe as coordinated attempts to stifle dissenting voices across government, media, academia and entertainment.

The roster of supporters spans generations and genres: John Legend, Barbra Streisand, Janelle Monáe, Bonnie Raitt, Finneas, Maggie Rogers and Patti LuPone are among those listed as backers of the renewed committee.

The statement from the group recalls the historical roots of the original committee — formed to push back against blacklisting and persecution during the Red Scare — and warns against contemporary efforts to silence critics and curtail civil liberties.

Leaders of the relaunch emphasize that the effort transcends party lines. The statement warns those who profit from creators’ labor yet support censorship and intimidation that their actions will be remembered, and it promises ongoing advocacy from the new coalition.

A complete list of signatories and background on the original Committee for the First Amendment are available on the organization’s site. For additional information, visit the Committee for the First Amendment website: committeeforthefirstamendment.com/about.

The relaunch arrives amid heightened debate within the entertainment industry over free-speech boundaries. In September 2025, ABC briefly suspended production of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after some affiliates declined to air an episode following controversial remarks; the network resumed the program after five days, following protests from SAG-AFTRA, the ACLU and numerous entertainers.

The Committee’s organizers say the effort will be sustained and that this announcement marks the beginning of renewed, collective action to protect expressive freedoms.

Source