Javier Bardem is facing backlash after a seemingly casual afterparty moment turned into a viral talking point, with PETA calling out the actor in a fiery response that’s now making waves online. The Oscar winner, who has been vocal about environmental issues, was photographed holding an In-N-Out hamburger during a recent afterparty, prompting the animal rights organization to question the consistency between his advocacy and his actions.
PETA Calls Out Javier Bardem In Blunt Post
PETA didn’t hold back when reacting to the image, sharing a graphic that directly targeted the actor. “JAVIER BARDEM IS A HYPOCRITE,” they wrote.
The organization went on to criticize what it sees as a contradiction in Bardem’s behavior. “This is how a Greenpeace spokesperson spends his evening: holding the leading cause of climate catastrophe and environmental devastation in his hand,” the organization added.
The controversy stems from a photo taken at a high-profile afterparty, where Bardem appeared dressed in formal wear while holding the fast-food burger.
Vegan Lifestyle Highlighted As Key Solution
In its messaging, PETA also emphasized the potential impact of dietary changes. Each person who goes vegan lowers their food-related carbon footprint by up to 73%, making it conceivably the biggest way to reduce one’s negative impact on the planet, and spares the lives of nearly 200 animals a year.
“Our analysis indicates that dietary changes toward fewer animal and more plant-based foods are associated with significant benefits due to reductions in diet-related mortality and GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions,” a study by PETA states. “If everyone were to go vegan, the combined number of deaths per year from strokes, coronary heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes would decrease by 19%.”
Shifting to a plant-based diet on a global scale wouldn’t only help protect animals and the environment, but it could also ease financial strain. The study found it may significantly reduce healthcare spending and costs linked to “informal care and lost work days,” with potential savings estimated between $700 billion and $1 trillion each year.
Javier Bardem Once Championed Antarctic Conservation In ‘Sanctuary’
The resurfaced photo also stands in contrast to Javier Bardem’s past environmental advocacy, including his involvement in Greenpeace’s 2019 documentary Sanctuary, which focused on protecting the Antarctic Ocean.
Reflecting on his decision to participate in the campaign, Bardem told Variety, “Greenpeace invited me to do this campaign. We’re trying to create the largest sea sanctuary in the world in the Antarctic Ocean. I didn’t blink; I said yes. They explained to me what exactly they’re looking to achieve and why.”
He added, “At that table, there were scientists and biologists and people working on this for ages. It was mind-blowing to be surrounded by all these people who know what’s at stake.”
Bardem Once Spoke Candidly About Hollywood’s Climate Impact
The actor also previously weighed in on Hollywood’s role in addressing environmental issues, acknowledging both the industry’s influence and its contradictions.
“A lot of people I know who work in this business, they care. They make a number of big donations privately,” he said. “They also know they contribute to an industry that flies a lot of private planes and has a big carbon footprint. That’s the rhythm we live in. I think overall we need some regulation and information about how to achieve a near future where we can have a different way of living.”
Javier Bardem Previously Criticized Hollywood For Ignoring Climate Crisis In Films
Javier Bardem has also spoken out about the lack of environmental messaging in mainstream entertainment, previously acknowledging that Hollywood hasn’t done enough to address the climate crisis through its storytelling.
When asked about criticism that scripted content often overlooks the issue, the actor agreed. “In my humble opinion, I think that’s true,” he said. “We should bring this to wider audiences in those so-called tentpole movies. I just did ‘Dune.’ I play a character named Stilgar, who is the leader of the Fremen tribe. They’re the only tribe able to survive for years out in the desert by recycling their own liquids. It’s a scientific masterpiece.”
He continued, “We went to Jordan to shoot in the desert, and I thought, ‘Sh-t. This is not far from being real.’ Hopefully, that’s a powerful issue this movie can raise.”
Javier Bardem has not responded to PETA’s comment.