George Clooney, the star of such blockbuster hits as Michael Clayton and Big Gay Al's Big Gay Boat Ride, is the latest A-lister to speak out about China's human rights issues in the months leading up to the Beijing games. Clooney helps promote Omega Watches which is one of the worldwide Olympic partners for this summer's games.Yesterday, Clooney was quoted on the BBC website and made it clear that Omega is aware of how he feels, "I have talked with Omega (about China) for over a year and will continue to talk to Omega. I have and will go to the places I and China do business and ask for help."
Omega, who has been the official Olympics timekeeper since 1932, isn't into mixing sports and politics. An executive representing Omega had this to say in response to Clooney:
"It is our policy not to get involved in politics," he was quoted as saying, because it would not serve the cause of sport, which he called one of the noblest human endeavors "for creating understanding and peace all over the world."Earlier this month, Steven Spielberg dropped out as artistic advisor to the games due to his beliefs regarding China's human rights issues with Darfur.
Clooney is known to be one of Hollywood's more vocal activists for causes he believes in. A little known fact about the Hollywood superstar is that he once tried out for the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. Unlike most of the women in his life, the Reds rejected him.
