The Herald Bulletin

Evening Update

Entertainment

Discussion

October 31, 2009

Hawke praises Madonna for Gypsy support in Romania

The Associated Press Associated Press

BUCHAREST, Romania — Actor Ethan Hawke on Saturday praised Madonna for her boldness in speaking out against discrimination against Gypsies, words that provoked boos from thousands of fans at her concert in Romania.

Hawke, visiting Romania to help promote his mother's charity supporting education for Gypsy children, placed the pop superstar alongside Bob Marley and John Lennon as part of a tradition of artists speaking out against racism.

"She transcended being a pop star," he told reporters. "She drew international attention and shone the spotlight on a level of racism and the need for greater education," Hawke said.

At an August concert in Bucharest on her "Sticky & Sweet" tour, Madonna called for an end to widespread discrimination against Eastern Europe's Gypsies, also known as Roma. Thousands of fans responded by booing her.

"I don't have an agenda, Madonna doesn't have an agenda. We aren't politicians," Hawke said.

Hawke, 38, was to speak later Saturday at the Ovidiu Rom charity Halloween ball. He and his mother, Leslie Hawke, the charity's president, were already dressed in costume: the actor in top hat and tails and his mother in a Japanese-style kimono, black wig and geisha-like makeup.

A pair of Madonna's Christian Dior shoes with autographed skyscraper gold heels are to be raffled off at the ball, which is to be held in the giant palace of the late dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Among the other prizes is a gold chain provided by actress Vanessa Redgrave.

Hawke has been coming to Romania to support his mother's work since 2000, he said.

"I feel I can do something," he told reporters, "instead of being part of the problem."

Text Only
Entertainment
  • concerts.jpg Vote: Top local concerts of 2011

    The following list names some of the top concerts at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in 2011. Which one is your favorite? Vote now!

    December 22, 2011 1 Photo

  • 1211 news orchestra 11.jpg After-hours party joins night of romance at ASO concert

    The Anderson Symphony Orchestra is hosting more than a night of romance on Feb. 11. It’s throwing an after-hours party with desserts, coffee and a cash bar.

    February 9, 2012 1 Photo

  • Live music: Feb. 10

    The following listings for live music are published in Friday's edition of the Herald Bulletin.

    February 9, 2012

  • Weekend Calendar: Feb. 10

    Entertainment activities at area venues for Feb. 10-11.

    February 9, 2012

  • FILE-Casino Grand Opening-155a.jpg Report: Hoosier Park leaves economic mark on county

    Tourism has become big business in Madison County and Hoosier Park  Racing & Casino is the star attraction, concludes a recent report from the Anderson/Madison County Visitors & Convention Bureau.

    February 6, 2012 1 Photo

  • ent_0207portwood.jpg 'Teen Mom' Amber Portwood pleads guilty

    A Madison County circuit court judge accepted a plea agreement Monday that would allow drug-related charges to be dropped against MTV “Teen Mom” Amber Portwood.

    February 6, 2012 1 Photo

  • ent_arquette.jpg Football, Hollywood stars mingle at NFL Honors

    Just 24 hours before all eyes turned to Indianapolis for today’s Super Bowl XLVI showdown between the New England Patriots and New York Giants, the National Football League’s most heralded players, treasured legends and a host of celebrities walked the red carpet at the Murat Theater for the inaugural "NFL Honors" awards program, broadcast on NBC on Saturday night.

    February 5, 2012 1 Photo

  • Judge allows 'Sister Wives' suit to proceed

    A federal judge has ruled there's sufficient evidence to allow a polygamous family made famous by a reality TV show to pursue a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Utah's bigamy law.

    February 5, 2012

  • Paramount's circus act

    Circus acrobatics will mix with African beats when the Jabali African Acrobats perform at the Paramount Theatre on Tuesday.

    February 3, 2012

  • audi.jpg Sneak peek at this year's hottest Super Bowl ads

    The Super Bowl is a must-watch TV event, if not for the outcome of the biggest football game of the year, then at least for the multi-million dollar commercials that run throughout. And this year’s buzzworthy spots include celebrity appearances, homages to movies and lots of humor.

    February 3, 2012 1 Photo