The Complex History Behind Jane Fonda’s ‘Hanoi Jane’ Nickname
Jane Fonda’s arrest on October 11 in Washington, D.C., during a climate change protest, was just another chapter in her long history of activism. The acclaimed actor has been at the forefront of various social and political movements throughout her career, garnering both praise and criticism.
Her activism gained renewed attention last year with the release of a documentary about her political engagement. Additionally, her past was revisited when former Today host Megyn Kelly reignited controversy surrounding a divisive moment in Fonda’s history.
The Feud Between Megyn Kelly and Jane Fonda
The tension between Kelly and Fonda began in September 2017 when Fonda appeared on NBC’s Today show to promote her film Our Souls at Night. During the interview, Kelly questioned Fonda about her cosmetic surgery history, prompting an immediate shutdown from the actor. Fonda later criticized Kelly for the question, stating in a January 2018 interview with Variety that it reflected poor interviewing skills. She also jokingly referenced the incident during a subsequent appearance on Today, alongside her Grace & Frankie co-star Lily Tomlin.
Kelly escalated the conflict on January 22, 2018, by delivering an on-air monologue in which she dismissed Fonda’s moral authority, citing her past activism against the Vietnam War. “This is a woman synonymous with outrage,” Kelly said. “Look at her treatment of our military during the Vietnam War. Many veterans still refer to her as ‘Hanoi Jane’ due to her controversial actions.”
Jane Fonda’s Activism and the ‘Hanoi Jane’ Controversy
The nickname “Hanoi Jane” stems from Fonda’s 1972 visit to North Vietnam, during the height of the Vietnam War. By then, she was already a vocal antiwar activist, having participated in movements supporting Native American rights and the Black Panthers. In 1970, she co-founded the “Free Army Tour” (FTA) alongside actor Donald Sutherland, staging antiwar performances to counter Bob Hope’s USO tour.
In 1972, Fonda traveled to North Vietnam, where she participated in ten radio broadcasts condemning U.S. military actions and urging pilots to cease bombing civilian areas. However, the most controversial moment of her trip was a widely publicized photograph showing her seated on an anti-aircraft gun, appearing as though she were poised to attack American aircraft. This image ignited a firestorm of criticism in the U.S., with many viewing her actions as a betrayal.
The Fallout and Fonda’s Apology
The backlash against Fonda was swift and severe. Some lawmakers considered her actions treasonous, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars even advocated for her prosecution. Certain states, including Maryland, debated banning her films altogether. However, opinions on her activism were divided—while many condemned her, others saw her actions as courageous.
Over the years, Fonda has repeatedly apologized for the infamous photograph, clarifying that her opposition was directed at U.S. government policies rather than soldiers. In her 2005 memoir My Life So Far, she recounted the incident and expressed deep regret:
“Someone led me toward the gun, and I sat down, still laughing and applauding. I hardly even thought about where I was sitting. Then the cameras flashed. As I started walking away, it hit me—Oh, my God. It’s going to look like I was trying to shoot down U.S. planes! I pleaded with them to ensure the photographs weren’t published, but it was too late.”
Despite her apologies, resentment persists among some veterans. In 2015, approximately 50 veterans protested Fonda’s appearance at an event in Maryland, holding signs that read, “Forgive? Maybe. Forget? Never.”
Fonda continues to engage with veterans in open dialogue, acknowledging their pain. “Whenever possible, I try to sit down with vets and talk with them,” she said. “It hurts me that my actions made so many think I was against the soldiers.”
Conclusion
The legacy of “Hanoi Jane” remains a polarizing topic. While Fonda’s activism has been influential in various movements, her 1972 trip to North Vietnam continues to define her in the eyes of many. As time progresses, historical perspectives on her role in the antiwar movement continue to evolve, reflecting the complexities of activism, patriotism, and public perception.
