Richard Gere slams Donald Trump as a 'bully and thug' at Spain’s Goya Awards; says, 'We're in a very dark place in America'

Veteran Hollywood actor Richard Gere didn’t hold back in his criticism of US President Donald Trump, calling him a "bully" and a "thug" while accepting an International Goya Award at Spain’s prestigious film ceremony.

The 75-year-old actor, best known for Pretty Woman and American Gigolo, used his speech to address the rise of authoritarianism around the world.

"We're in a very dark place in America, where we have a bully, a thug, who's the president of the United States. But it's not just in the US, it's everywhere. Authoritarianism takes us all over," Gere stated, emphasising that the erosion of democracy is not limited to one country.

Beyond his comments on Trump, Gere warned about the growing influence of billionaires in American politics. "The fact that these irresponsible and perhaps dangerously corrosive billionaires are running everything in America right now is a danger for everyone on this planet," he remarked, referring to what he called a "dark marriage" between power and wealth.

Spanish actor Antonio Banderas presented Gere with the International Goya Award for his exceptional contribution to cinema and his dedication to social causes, including refugee aid and homelessness.