Despite criticism from President-elect Donald Trump, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and a number of right-leaning blogs, Meryl Streep has the support of a major entertainment entity and an Oscar winner for her Golden Globes speech.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association sent a letter to the Oscar-winning actress, saying it stands by her speech.
Streep talked about the importance of art in the form of film from artists from all over the world and the importance of the press to hold those in power accountable. She also criticized Trump for mocking a reporter with a disability.
Related: WATCH: Meryl Streep calls out Trump, asks for empathy during Golden Globes speech
The Los Angeles Times reported that HFPA is made up of 90 international journalists.
A portion of the letter, signed by HFPA president Lorenzo Soria, can be read below:
We stand proudly behind our choice, and we applaud your 40 years of captivating work. You're a class act, in and out of character.
As an organization of journalists, the HFPA stands by your defense of free expression and we reject any calls for censorship.
We thank you for your unwavering support for the arts.
People obtained a letter actor Robert De Niro wrote to Streep. De Niro, a four-time costar of Streep, praised her speech in the letter, saying, "it needed to be said."
I have so much respect for you that you did it while the world was celebrating your achievements. I share your sentiments about punks and bullies. Enough is enough. You, with your elegance and intelligence, have a powerful voice – one that inspires others to speak up as they should so their voices will be heard too. It is so important that we ALL speak up.
The full letter from HFPA can be read at the Los Angeles Times. More on De Niro's letter can be read at People.com.
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