Actor and activist Richard Gere, one of the most anticipated guests of the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), captivated audiences with a message centered on compassion, environmental stewardship and a stark critique of U.S. leadership, while praising Mexico’s president.
Speaking to a packed Juan Rulfo Auditorium in a talk titled “Compassion in Action: A Shared Stewardship of the Planet,” the Pretty Woman star shared spiritual insights drawn from his studies with the Dalai Lama. He emphasized the necessity of embracing change. “Nothing stays the same … we should all welcome change with open arms,” Gere recounted, echoing the Dalai Lama’s teachings.
The conversation, moderated by Mexico’s Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Alicia Bárcena, took a pointed political turn.
Gere did not mince words regarding U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing deep personal shame. “As an American, I am deeply ashamed of this president,” he stated. “I don’t want that to be an applause, because it’s a challenge for everyone.”
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