Amal Clooney Speaks Publicly About George for First Time, Brings Him to Tears at AFI Tribute (Video)

Amal Clooney appears on stage to talk publicly about her husband George for the first time at the American Film Institute’s 2018 Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute on Thursday (June 7) at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

The 40-year-old human rights lawyer opened her speech by saying how she is nervous to speak. “It’s somehow easier for me to address a court on behalf a detainee, than to speak publicly as I am doing for the first time tonight about my husband,” she said. “I do so out of immense pride of all he has achieved.”

“Here are a few things you may not know about [George]. First, he is a gentleman. He is a gentleman in every sense of the word and in a way that seems so rare these days and perhaps even outdated,” Amal said. “Everyone who knows him, even those who oppose him politically or who have quarreled with him professionally, will tell you, he has not forgotten his Kentucky manners. On every sense I visit, I’m told by crew that George sticks up for the most vulnerable.”

“Although George modestly attributes much of the success we are celebrating here to luck, I think it’s incredible talent and character that got him here,” Amal continued. “And these attributes also make him an amazing husband and father. I met George when I was 35 and starting to become quite resigned to the idea that I was going to be a spinster. Then we met and started hiding out in my London flat and very soon it felt like, no matter what happened, I would never want to be with anyone else.”

Click inside to read the rest of the speech and to see the video…

“I couldn’t sleep when we were apart and I’m told that I would display a particular grin and head-tilt when reading his text messages or the letters he would hide in my bag,” she added. “Five years later, none of that has changed. He is the person who has my complete admiration and also the person whose smile makes me melt every time. My love, what I have found with you is the great love I always hoped existed. And seeing you with our children, Ella and Alexander, is the greatest joy in my life.”

“You fill our home with laughter and happiness and that’s even before the children have worked out that ‘da-da’ is Batman, a talking fox, and friends with Mary Poppins,” she added. “I’m so proud of you my love. Congratulations on this great honor that you’re receiving tonight. I’m proud of you, but I also know that when our children find out not only what you have done, but who you are, they will be so proud of you too.”

People in the audience say that the speech brought George to tears!

FYI: Amal is wearing a Prada dress.

45+ pictures inside of George and Amal Clooney at the event…