Russell Crowe: Don’t Punish Hotels over Owner’s ‘Hideous’ Sharia Law in Brunei

A few weeks ago, some celebrities called for a boycott of the Beverly Hills Hotel because its owner is the Sultan of Brunei, and he recently instituted horribly harsh Islamic laws in Brunei. But one actor has taken a different view: Russell Crowe. The Noah star isn’t boycotting the hotel because he says it’s unfair to punish the hotel’s employees for the policies carried out by the owner.

This particular issue hasn’t received much attention, despite celebrities like Jay Leno showing support for the boycott efforts. Crowe, however, argued there are other ways you can voice your outrage without punishing the people who work at the hotel.

#1 Sending me abuse will not stop my support of Gay , Lesbian, Bi and Trans Gender rights. The laws that Brunei are adopting are hideous.

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) May 20, 2014

#2 however, throwing the staff of Dorchester Collection Hotels under the bus to make a political point is not acceptable to me.

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) May 20, 2014

#3 these are hard working people with families and I guarantee you they come from all walks of life

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) May 20, 2014

#4 to me, it is not acceptable collateral damage to ignore them . These are people I know ,people I consider friends

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) May 20, 2014

#5 the decision to enact these laws is reprehensible and horrifying. Pressure your govt to cease trade contact, refuse to use Brunei oil

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) May 20, 2014

Though in fairness, protesting a hotel is a more feasible attempt than the hope a populist protest will get the government to stop trading with another country.

[h/t THR]
[featured image via screengrab]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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