American actor of Romanian origin Sebastian Stan spoke at the Cannes Film Festival about what he considers to be “a deterioration of freedom of expression in the United States”, criticizing the US administration and the media climate surrounding President Donald Trump.
The claims were made at the Cannes Film Festival, where the actor was promoting his new film “Fjord”, directed by the Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu.
During a press conference, Sebastian Stan stated that the situation in the US “no laughing matter” and that American society is at a critical juncture.
“I think we’re in a very, very bad place. I really do.” the actor said, according to themirror.
He referred to what he called media concentration, censorship cases, pressures and lawsuits that “it seems like it’s never ending.”
Sebastian Stan played Donald Trump in “The Apprentice,” a production that follows the businessman’s rise in New York in the 70s and 80s.
The actor revealed that he was warned before accepting the role, being advised by some people not to get involved in the projectt. “To be honest, when you see what’s happening now, with the media focus, the censorship and the threats… the signs were obvious,” Stan said.
He also stated that the film encountered difficulties even before the festival, with uncertainties regarding its screening. “Three days before we were not sure if the film would be screened”the actor specified.
In his speech, Stan also referred to the tensions in the American media, mentioning famous names in television such as Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert.
He claimed that they were involved in controversy and public backlash related to political commentary and pressure on editorial content.
In context, 2025 episodes of temporary suspensions and disputes between presenters and major US TV networks, particularly in the area of late-night shows, were also mentioned.
Sebastian Stan also said that he hopes the situation will improve, stressing that the current tensions in the American public space are worrying.
“I went through all of this before the Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert situations. I wish it wasn’t like this”concluded the actor.
