George Clooney has criticised US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth after the Pentagon chief shared a photograph from a Canadian youth cadet programme in a social media post that drew accusations of mocking the appearance of those pictured.
The actor, speaking to reporters at the Venice International Film Festival on Wednesday, 2 September, said he was 'ashamed' by the post and questioned Hegseth's sense of decency.
'What's wrong with you? Where's the sense of decency in all of this?' Clooney said when asked about the controversy. His comments came after Hegseth shared an image from the Vernon Cadet Training Centre in British Columbia at the start of the week.
The photograph showed a young female cadet receiving an award from a cadet instructor. Hegseth accompanied the image with a Canadian flag and the words 'this is real'. The post sparked criticism online, with some accusing Hegseth of using the photograph to mock the physical appearance of those pictured.
The Pentagon has defended the post, with deputy press secretary Jacob Bliss telling reporters that 'the X post speaks for itself'.
Clooney Calls Out 'Cruel' Political Culture
Clooney also used the controversy to criticise what he described as a broader culture of cruelty and unkindness in American public life.
'We're at a moment in time that's unfortunate,' the 65 year old actor said. 'The idea that cruelty is the base — that being cruel and unkind is part of the fun of all of this... I'm ashamed of that, but we'll get through it.'
Clooney made the remarks while attending the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, where he was being honoured with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement.
The controversy centres on Canada's cadet programme, which gives young people opportunities to develop leadership, citizenship and physical fitness skills.
Cadets are not serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, although the programme operates with support from Canada's defence establishment.
The distinction has featured prominently in criticism of Hegseth's post, with opponents arguing that the photograph appeared to draw Canada's youth cadet programme into a wider dispute involving the country's military.
The Army Cadet League of Canada has also defended those involved in the programme, including cadets, adult staff, volunteers and officers, while condemning online harassment and mockery directed at cadets and their achievements.
🇨🇦 (this is real) pic.twitter.com/Ucx2FNdi1q
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) September 1, 2026
Canadian Officials Condemn Hegseth Post
Clooney was not the only prominent figure to criticise the message.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the post as 'beneath their office', while Defence Minister David McGuinty said it was 'below the dignity of the office he holds'. British Columbia Premier David Eby also condemned the post, calling it 'an embarrassment' and criticising the decision to involve young cadets in the dispute.
The backlash comes amid strained relations between Canada and the United States, including disagreements over trade and criticism of Canada's military capabilities from members of the Trump administration.
Despite the criticism, the Pentagon has stood behind Hegseth's post. The Army Cadet League of Canada's response, along with comments from Canadian political leaders, has added to the international criticism surrounding the message.
For Clooney, the episode became an opportunity to speak about what he sees as an increasingly harsh political culture in which cruelty can become part of public discourse.
His remarks in Venice have now brought Hollywood attention to a dispute that began with a brief social media post, drawing criticism from Canadian officials, members of the cadet community and others who objected to the way the photograph was used.
