Pink Floyd Co-Founder Slams Angelina Jolie and Other Celebrities for Supporting Ukraine

 Roger Waters, the former frontman of Pink Floyd, has criticized several high-profile celebrities for supporting Ukraine, calling them “absolutely ignorant” of the region’s history and the context of the conflict with Russia.

In a Thursday interview with Russian news outlet RIA Novosti, Waters specifically named Angelina Jolie, Sean Penn, Bono, and even his former bandmate David Gilmour.

Waters argued that Western actions contributed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and said many celebrities fail to understand these complexities. “Angelina Jolie doesn’t know this. She’s never heard of James Baker. They’re ignorant. And Sean Penn. They’re ignorant. And [U2 front man] Bono, and [Pink Floyd’s lead guitarist] David Gilmour, they’re all completely ignorant,” he said.

Waters referenced NATO’s expansion promises made to the Soviet Union in 1990 as an example of Western actions he believes were ignored.

The Pink Floyd musician has long voiced opinions on global issues. In 2023, he addressed the UN Security Council, condemning Russia’s “illegal” invasion but also criticizing Western policies he felt contributed to the crisis. Ukrainian ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya described Waters’ UN speech as “another brick in the wall” of Russian disinformation, alluding to Pink Floyd’s iconic album.

Waters specifically called out Jolie’s humanitarian visit to Kherson, suggesting she did not grasp the history or nuances of the war. “I am sure that Angelina Jolie is absolutely clueless on this issue,” he said, referring to her visit to support victims of the Russian attacks on a maternity ward.

While Waters criticized these celebrities, Gilmour took a different approach. In April 2022, he released the Pink Floyd track “Hey Hey, Rise Up!”, featuring Ukrainian musician Andriy Khlyvnyuk.

Proceeds went to humanitarian relief efforts, and Gilmour explained to The Guardian that many Ukrainians were unaware their struggles were being reported internationally. He also shared a personal connection, noting that part of his family is Ukrainian and experienced the war’s impact firsthand.

Waters’ comments have reignited debate about celebrity involvement in global conflicts and the responsibility of public figures to understand complex political issues before taking sides.