Jane Fonda gives politically-charged advice to 'bystander' artists

Jane Fonda is urging artists and entertainment figures to become more politically active and speak out about issues affecting democracy and free speech.

During an appearance on The Daily Show, the Oscar-winning actress was speaking about Rise Up, Sing Out, an upcoming concert event featuring performers including Rufus Wainwright and Patti Smith when she shared her two cents on the new-age Hollywood.

At the event, which is being organised by members of the Committee for the First Amendment, a group made up of artists and cultural leaders, Fonda explained that the concert aims to celebrate freedoms protected under the First Amendment, including freedom of speech, religion, press, protest and assembly.

"Music has always been part of movements, of resistance movements, the Civil Rights movement (in the '50s and '60s). We're going to do the music that gets people to rise up and speak out. Now is the time, this is the time, guys!" she declared. 

 She further insisted that artists should not stay silent during difficult political moments. "We want to organise the entertainment industry to not cooperate with what is happening. Because our democracy is being destroyed. Our rights are being taken away."

The actress explained that the modern committee was inspired by the original Committee for the First Amendment, which was formed in 1947 by Hollywood stars including Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall and her father, Henry Fonda.

Fonda also encouraged people to become “upstanders, not bystanders,” saying artists especially need freedom of expression in order to create meaningful work.

Rise Up, Sing Out will take place in New York City on June 14.