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Culture > Entertainment

Brie Larson Hugs Every Sexual Assault Survivor from Lady Gaga’s Oscars Performance

Brie Larson proved just how sweet she is, even when no one is watching. At last night’s Academy Awards ceremony, the actress hugged all fifty of the sexual assault survivors who were featured in Lady Gaga’s moving performance.

Gaga performed “Til It Happens To You” from The Hunting Ground, a documentary about sexual assault on college campuses in America. This song is especially important in light of the injustice Kesha faced when a court failed to break her contract with Dr. Luke, who she has accused of drugging and raping her.

Read More: Lady Gaga Defends Kesha Against Victim-Shaming

The fifty sexual assault survivors walked on stage mid-performance with their arms outstretched to expose the words “not your fault,” “unbreakable” and “survivor.” The performance ended with Lady Gaga and the survivors holding their hands high as a sign of strength and solidarity. It was a powerful statement, earning a standing ovation and bringing some audience members to tears.

Larson, who was later awarded the Oscar for Best Actress, was clearly moved by the performance. As the survivors walked off stage, Larson stood from her seat and quickly hugged each of them as they walked by. Her act of kindness was caught on camera by an audience member, who posted the moment on Twitter.

After an emotional night for these survivors—who were given a platform to bring attention to this widespread yet often ignored issue, which is obviously personal to them—they surely appreciated Larson’s comforting hug.

 

 

Mariel Barbadillo is currently in her third year at the University of California, Davis. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a minor in Sociology. Her interests include music, travel, and social justice. In her free time, she enjoys going to concerts, playing piano, and catching up on the latest episode of The Fosters and Pretty Little Liars.