The ongoing drama featuring Julian Assange just went A-list. Some of the latest characters: a model-turned-socialite, a British filmmaker, a documentarian and a rich American.
The Guardian reports that a group of “household names,” at least in British standards, pooled almost $283,000 for Assange’s bail.
(More on Time.com: WikiLeaks’ Assange: Under Arrest, Fighting Extradition)
Jemina Khan, a philanthropist who once dated Hugh Grant, pledged about $32,000 for Assange’s release alongside The Wind That Shakes the Barley director Ken Loach. They appeared at Westminster magistrates court yesterday.
“I think the work he has done has been a public service,” Loach said.
Both said they do not know Assange personally.
Journalist and documentarian John Pilger, who did know Assange, offered roughly $32,000 as well. “This is not justice,” he later said outside the courthouse. “This is outrageous.”
(More on Time.com: Why WikiLeaks Is Winning Its Info War)
But one person who didn’t even bother making a cameo appearance in the courtroom may be the most influential yet. Dubbed simply as “an unknown American,” this person reportedly offered around $125,000.
In the end, their collective star power wasn’t quite enough, however. Judge Howard Riddle commended the group for their “concern for human rights” but refused to grant Assange bail.
So much for a Hollywood ending. (via the Guardian)
