Screenshot: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLdElcv5qqc">The White House</a>/YouTube
On Tuesday, the White House posted their new, star-studded PSA on sexual assault and rape. The video (which features Benicio Del Toro, Steve Carell, Daniel Craig, Seth Meyers, Dulé Hill, Joe Biden, and Barack Obama) was released as part of the Obama administration’s 1 is 2 Many campaign. The video’s release coincides with Vice President Biden’s big speech on the subject, and with the formal unveiling of the first report from the White House Task Force to Protect Students From Sexual Assault. (The White House is pressuring colleges and universities to improve their handling of cases of rape and sexual assault.)
“If she doesn’t consent, or if she can’t consent, it’s rape, it’s assault,” Del Toro says in the video. “If saw it happening, I’d never blame her—I’d help her,” Craig says.
Watch the extended 60-second PSA here:
“I’m not used to making calls to big old movie stars,” Biden said. “But I called them. And every one of them said immediately, ‘What can I do?'”
The PSA is set to air in select Regal Entertainment Group and Cinemark movie theaters, and in theaters on military installations starting in May. Here are statements from three of the participating actors, via the White House:
Benicio Del Toro:
This PSA is about reaching out to people and letting them know that there is an epidemic of sexual assaults. Those who commit sexual assaults will be condemned, whoever they are. The PSA also encourages any witness to such acts to speak up, do the right thing, and be a hero. It is about protecting and respecting our loved ones—our mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and girlfriends.
Dulé Hill:
One sexual assault is one too many. My desire for this PSA is that it will heighten awareness and in turn be a catalyst for more prevention.
Daniel Craig:
I am honored to be part of such an important and crucial project. The message is clear and simple; everyone has a responsibility. There are no exceptions. There are no excuses. Please watch it and pass it on.
On a related note, here’s Craig in drag in a two-minute video highlighting gender inequality, sexual assault, and violence against women. The video, which coincided with 2011 International Women’s Day, is narrated by Judi Dench, his James Bond co-star:
This post has been updated.
