Hollywood stars, icons of the fashion world and a famous monkey researcher: Shortly before the end of his term in office, US President Joe Biden honored 19 celebrities with the USA’s highest civilian award.
At a ceremony in the White House, Biden himself presented the medal to the honorees in attendance. In the case of basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, this caused a few laughs when he knelt with his back to Biden due to his height.
Rock musician Bono from the band U2, actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, as well as fashion designer Ralph Lauren also personally collected the medal from the President. Soccer star Lionel Messi stayed away from the event. The elderly philanthropist George Soros, whom right-wing circles have stylized as an enemy, was represented by his son.
The prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom honors people who have made significant contributions “to the security or national interest of the United States, world peace, and cultural or other significant public concerns.” Biden awarded it for the last time before he leaves office on January 20th.
The primatologist Jane Goodall, the fashion journalist Anna Wintour and the former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, a party friend of Biden, were also among those honored. (dpa)