Ryan Phillippe Responds Directly to Backlash for Saudi Arabia Trip

Ryan Phillippe is speaking out in response to the criticism that he has received for going on a trip to Saudi Arabia over the weekend.

The 45-year-old actor is one of several stars who traveled to the Middle East for the MDL Beast Music Festival. Also in attendance were Armie Hammer, Sofia Richie, Winnie Harlow, and more.

People have been criticizing the celebs for attending the festival due to the human rights violations in the country recently. Journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in the country, multiple journalists were outed as gay and detained, and the Saudi government has a history of oppression of women.

Emily Ratajkowski has said she turned down the trip. She wrote on Instagram Story, “It is very important to me to make clear my support for the rights of women, the LGBTQ community, freedom of expression and the right to a free press. I hope coming forward on this brings more attention to the injustices happening there.”

Ryan posted several photos from his trip on Instagram and responded to a lot of backlash in the comments.

“How much are they paying all these people to go there? The government literally kills journalists & gay people….” one commenter wrote. Ryan responded, “Your government is without fault? Cool. I’ve never known of one. Progress and change takes time. It is happening here and was an awesome place to visit.”

Ryan wrote on his Instagram post, “i had a magical day with wonderful people. will prob add to this caption later when i gather my thoughts again. i love travel. i love different cultures. i love how we can find ways to connect through our human oneness, the pure desire for love and freedom. no matter where in the world. hoping those connections help to bring even more positive change and progress.”

Click through the gallery to read what Ryan Phillippe said in response to backlash…